Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ by Drug

• A large latest investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
• Certain drugs caused reduced body weight, whereas other medications resulted in increased body weight.
• Heart rate and BP furthermore varied significantly across drugs.
• Those suffering from ongoing, severe, or worrisome adverse reactions must speak with a physician.

Recent studies has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

The extensive investigation, published on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of commencing therapy.

These investigators studied 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently used to address depression. Although not every patient encounters side effects, several of the most frequent noted in the investigation were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were notable variations among antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals added almost 2 kg in the same period.

Furthermore, marked changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline increased it, producing a disparity of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare experts noted that the investigation's findings aren't new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressants vary in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," a expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the thorough, relative assessment of these differences throughout a wide range of physiological parameters employing findings from over 58,000 participants," the specialist added.

The investigation provides comprehensive support of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or loss, according to the medication)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

Additionally, less common but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:

• increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are several varying categories of antidepressants, which contribute to the different negative pharmaceutical side effects," another expert commented.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can impact every individual differently, and unwanted effects can range based on the particular medication, dose, and individual elements like body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although certain side effects, such as changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly typical and often get better with time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.

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

"An modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient suffers ongoing or intolerable adverse reactions that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," one specialist stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, such as hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally think about speaking with your physician concerning any absence of substantial enhancement in depression-related or worry indicators after an adequate testing period. An appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Individual inclination is also crucial. Certain individuals may choose to evade particular unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition