Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, BP Variations Differ Depending on Medication

- An comprehensive recent study found that the side effects of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
- Certain drugs led to decreased mass, while others caused increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure furthermore varied significantly between drugs.
- Individuals experiencing persistent, severe, or concerning unwanted effects must speak with a medical provider.
Recent research has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.
This comprehensive study, published on October 21st, assessed the effect of depression treatments on more than 58,000 individuals within the beginning two months of starting therapy.
The scientists analyzed 151 research projects of 30 medications typically prescribed to address clinical depression. While not every patient experiences adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent recorded in the study were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.
Researchers observed notable differences across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day course of one medication was connected with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug users gained nearly 2 kg in the same period.
Additionally, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to slow pulse rate, in contrast another medication increased it, creating a difference of about 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg variation observed across one drug and doxepin.
Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Comprise a Wide Range
Healthcare specialists commented that the study's findings are not new or surprising to mental health professionals.
"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic parameters," one professional stated.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these disparities across a broad spectrum of bodily measurements employing findings from over 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.
This research offers robust proof of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common antidepressant side effects may encompass:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
- sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
- mass variations (gain or reduction, based on the agent)
- rest issues (insomnia or sedation)
- oral dehydration, moisture, headache
Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may include:
- increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- liver enzyme elevations
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or lack of interest
"A key factor to remember in this context is that there are several distinct classes of depression drugs, which result in the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical effects," a different expert stated.
"Moreover, depression treatments can influence each patient distinctly, and unwanted reactions can vary according to the particular medication, dose, and individual factors such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."
Although several adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite frequent and frequently improve as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.
Speak with Your Physician Regarding Intense Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant unwanted effects may differ in seriousness, which could require a change in your drug.
"An adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient experiences persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a professional commented.
"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the current drug, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."
Patients may additionally consider speaking with your healthcare provider regarding any deficiency of significant progress in low mood or worry indicators subsequent to an appropriate trial period. The sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dosage.
Personal choice is also significant. Certain patients may choose to prevent particular side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition