Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Based on Pharmaceutical

New study offers comprehensive proof of the wide range of antidepressant adverse reactions.
  • A comprehensive latest investigation determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
  • Some medications caused reduced body weight, while other medications led to weight gain.
  • Heart rate and arterial pressure also varied markedly among drugs.
  • Individuals experiencing persistent, serious, or concerning adverse reactions must speak with a physician.

New research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This large-scale research, published on October 21, analyzed the effect of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 subjects within the first two months of starting therapy.

These researchers analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications typically employed to address clinical depression. While not all individuals develops unwanted effects, some of the most common noted in the research were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed notable differences across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an eight-week course of agomelatine was linked to an mean decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, significant variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline increased it, creating a difference of about 21 BPM among the two drugs. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed among one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Include a Extensive Spectrum

Medical professionals commented that the investigation's results aren't recent or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various antidepressant medications range in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.

"However, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these disparities among a extensive spectrum of physical indicators using information from more than 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.

This research delivers robust support of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more common than others. Frequent antidepressant side effects may encompass:

  • stomach problems (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
  • mass variations (addition or decrease, based on the agent)
  • sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
  • mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

At the same time, less common but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:

  • increases in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
  • hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
  • diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to consider here is that there are several different classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the different unwanted pharmaceutical effects," another expert explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can impact each patient variably, and unwanted side effects can range depending on the particular drug, dosage, and individual elements including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

While certain adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and frequently get better with time, others may be less common or continuing.

Speak with Your Doctor Concerning Intense Unwanted Effects

Depression drug adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could justify a modification in your drug.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the patient suffers continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or management strategies," one specialist commented.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the present medication, for example elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable increased body weight."

You may furthermore contemplate speaking with your physician about any absence of meaningful enhancement in depressive or anxiety indicators after an sufficient evaluation duration. An adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment amount.

Personal choice is additionally significant. Certain patients may prefer to prevent particular unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Theresa Gonzalez
Theresa Gonzalez

A tech journalist with a passion for gaming and innovation, sharing in-depth reviews and trends.