Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication
- A comprehensive latest investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
- Certain medications resulted in decreased mass, while different drugs led to added mass.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure also differed markedly between drugs.
- Those encountering ongoing, intense, or worrisome side effects ought to discuss with a physician.
Recent research has found that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.
This extensive study, issued on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first two months of starting therapy.
The scientists analyzed 151 research projects of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to treat depression. Although not everyone develops unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent observed in the investigation were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed notable disparities among antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month course of agomelatine was linked to an typical reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline users increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
There were also, marked changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would slow heart rate, whereas another medication elevated it, producing a disparity of about 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. BP varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted among one drug and another medication.
Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Encompass a Broad Spectrum
Clinical specialists noted that the study's findings are not considered new or startling to psychiatric specialists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs range in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," one expert explained.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these variations throughout a broad array of physiological parameters utilizing information from more than 58,000 individuals," the professional added.
The research offers robust proof of the magnitude of adverse reactions, certain of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:
- stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
- weight changes (gain or decrease, according to the drug)
- sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
- oral dehydration, moisture, migraine
At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may include:
- elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
- low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced emotions or apathy
"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are multiple varying classes of antidepressants, which result in the different adverse medication side effects," a different expert explained.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence each person distinctly, and adverse side effects can vary depending on the exact medication, dosage, and personal elements including metabolic rate or comorbidities."
While some adverse reactions, like fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are fairly frequent and frequently get better as time passes, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.
Talk with Your Physician About Severe Side Effects
Antidepressant medication side effects may range in severity, which could require a change in your treatment.
"A adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the individual experiences persistent or unacceptable adverse reactions that do not improve with duration or supportive care," a specialist stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an development of new medical issues that may be aggravated by the current medication, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or substantial mass addition."
Patients may furthermore consider consulting with your doctor regarding any deficiency of substantial enhancement in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators following an appropriate trial period. The appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment dosage.
Personal inclination is furthermore significant. Certain individuals may choose to evade specific unwanted effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition