Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Variations Differ Depending on Medication

• A extensive recent study discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in weight loss, whereas other medications resulted in weight gain.
• Pulse rate and BP additionally differed notably across treatments.
• Patients encountering ongoing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions must discuss with a medical provider.

Recent research has found that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This large-scale study, issued on October 21, assessed the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of beginning treatment.

These scientists studied 151 investigations of 30 medications frequently prescribed to manage major depression. Although not everyone develops side effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed striking differences across antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an 60-day course of one medication was linked to an mean weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug users gained close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, notable fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease heart rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, creating a gap of about 21 beats per minute among the two medications. BP differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted among nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare experts observed that the research's findings aren't new or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressants differ in their effects on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," a specialist explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these variations across a broad range of physiological parameters using information from more than 58,000 subjects," this expert noted.

This study provides comprehensive proof of the degree of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (addition or reduction, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, sweating, head pain

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may encompass:

• increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• low sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"An important point to consider in this context is that there are various distinct categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying unwanted drug reactions," a different expert commented.

"Additionally, depression treatments can affect every individual differently, and unwanted effects can differ based on the specific drug, dosage, and patient elements such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain side effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are quite frequent and commonly improve over time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.

Depression drug side effects may range in seriousness, which could require a change in your treatment.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient experiences persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," a professional commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of new health problems that may be aggravated by the current treatment, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial mass addition."

Patients may furthermore consider consulting with your doctor about any deficiency of meaningful progress in low mood or anxiety-related indicators following an adequate trial period. The appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.

Individual choice is furthermore important. Certain individuals may prefer to evade particular adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition