Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Range by Drug
- A large latest study determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, whereas others led to weight gain.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure also varied significantly across drugs.
- Patients suffering from ongoing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects ought to discuss with a medical provider.
New studies has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more extensive than previously thought.
This large-scale research, released on October 21st, examined the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of beginning treatment.
The researchers examined 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to treat depression. Although not everyone develops unwanted effects, some of the most frequent observed in the study were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed significant variations across depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients increased nearly 2 kg in the same timeframe.
Additionally, notable fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant often would decrease heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, causing a difference of about 21 BPM among the both treatments. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen across one drug and doxepin.
Depression Drug Side Effects Include a Wide Range
Clinical specialists noted that the research's results are not considered recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs differ in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," one professional stated.
"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the thorough, comparative measurement of these variations throughout a wide range of physical indicators using information from over 58,000 participants," this professional commented.
The study offers strong proof of the extent of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than others. Typical depression drug unwanted effects may comprise:
- digestive issues (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (gain or decrease, according to the medication)
- sleep problems (insomnia or sleepiness)
- dry mouth, sweating, migraine
Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:
- rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- emotional blunting or apathy
"One thing to remember here is that there are several distinct types of antidepressants, which result in the varying negative pharmaceutical side effects," another expert explained.
"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each patient distinctly, and adverse side effects can range according to the specific drug, amount, and individual elements like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."
Although several unwanted effects, such as changes in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably common and commonly enhance as time passes, others may be less frequent or more persistent.
Speak with Your Physician Regarding Serious Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.
"A modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the person experiences continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with duration or management strategies," a professional commented.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present medication, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."
Patients may furthermore contemplate consulting with your doctor regarding any lack of substantial enhancement in depressive or worry symptoms subsequent to an sufficient testing period. The sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic amount.
Individual choice is furthermore significant. Some patients may choose to avoid specific adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
