Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

• An comprehensive new investigation determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
• Certain medications led to reduced body weight, whereas others led to increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also differed markedly among treatments.
• Those suffering from persistent, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to discuss with a healthcare professional.

Latest research has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

The comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the first two months of beginning treatment.

These scientists studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly employed to manage depression. While not every patient develops adverse reactions, several of the most common noted in the investigation were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

There were notable variations among antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an average reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, significant variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, producing a difference of about 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. BP varied as well, with an 11 mmHg variation noted between nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare specialists noted that the investigation's conclusions are not novel or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications vary in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," one professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these disparities across a extensive range of physical indicators utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the expert noted.

The research delivers robust proof of the extent of adverse reactions, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or reduction, based on the agent)
• sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, sweating, migraine

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

• elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"A key factor to remember here is that there are various different classes of antidepressants, which result in the varying adverse medication side effects," a different specialist stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can impact every individual variably, and negative effects can differ based on the specific medication, dosage, and personal considerations including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

While several side effects, like changes in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are quite typical and frequently get better over time, different reactions may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could justify a change in your drug.

"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the individual suffers persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," one specialist stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of new health problems that may be aggravated by the existing medication, for instance elevated BP, arrhythmia, or considerable weight gain."

Patients may furthermore consider talking with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of significant improvement in depressive or worry symptoms subsequent to an appropriate trial period. The adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Individual choice is also important. Some individuals may want to evade specific unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition