Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, BP Changes Vary by Drug

• An large latest study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants range substantially by drug.
• Certain medications led to weight loss, whereas different drugs resulted in added mass.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure additionally varied notably across drugs.
• Those suffering from continuing, severe, or troubling unwanted effects should discuss with a medical provider.

New studies has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The extensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the first two months of starting treatment.

These scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently employed to address clinical depression. Although not every patient experiences adverse reactions, several of the most common recorded in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed significant variations among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was associated with an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users gained close to 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, marked changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would decrease pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, creating a difference of around 21 beats per minute among the two medications. Blood pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed between one drug and another medication.

Medical specialists observed that the research's results aren't new or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications vary in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this research is the thorough, relative quantification of these disparities among a extensive range of bodily measurements utilizing findings from more than 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.

This investigation delivers comprehensive support of the magnitude of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, irregularity)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (gain or reduction, depending on the agent)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

• elevations in BP or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to note in this context is that there are several distinct types of antidepressants, which contribute to the different unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," another expert stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can affect each person variably, and negative effects can vary according to the exact drug, dose, and personal elements like body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly common and commonly enhance as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may differ in severity, which could justify a adjustment in your medication.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual experiences persistent or intolerable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," one expert stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be worsened by the present medication, for example high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

You may furthermore think about consulting with your physician regarding any lack of significant progress in depressive or worry signs subsequent to an appropriate trial period. The adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Individual inclination is furthermore crucial. Some individuals may prefer to prevent particular side effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition