Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Including Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ by Drug

• An comprehensive recent study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
• Some drugs led to weight loss, while different drugs caused added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore varied significantly across drugs.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, serious, or troubling side effects should consult a medical provider.

Latest research has found that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The extensive research, published on the 21st of October, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the beginning two months of commencing treatment.

The scientists studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically prescribed to address major depression. While not everyone develops side effects, several of the most common recorded in the research were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

There were striking disparities between antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month treatment period of one medication was connected with an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals increased close to 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, significant variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to decrease cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication elevated it, producing a gap of about 21 BPM among the both treatments. BP varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Medical specialists observed that the research's conclusions are not considered new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," a specialist explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these disparities across a broad array of physiological parameters utilizing findings from over 58,000 participants," this expert added.

The research delivers strong support of the degree of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. Common antidepressant medication side effects may include:

• digestive issues (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or reduction, depending on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• dry mouth, perspiration, headache

Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

• increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc extension (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are several varying classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the different negative pharmaceutical reactions," a different expert commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can impact each person variably, and unwanted effects can differ depending on the exact medication, dose, and individual elements such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although several adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are quite frequent and often get better with time, others may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient encounters persistent or unacceptable side effects that don't get better with time or supportive care," one expert said.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be aggravated by the current drug, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant mass addition."

Patients may additionally consider talking with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators following an adequate trial period. The adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Patient choice is also important. Certain individuals may want to avoid certain adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition