Depression Drug Side Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

- An comprehensive recent research found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
- Certain drugs resulted in decreased mass, whereas other medications caused added mass.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure also diverged significantly between medications.
- Those encountering persistent, intense, or troubling adverse reactions should discuss with a physician.
Latest studies has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more extensive than once assumed.
The extensive investigation, released on October 21st, assessed the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 participants within the first two months of beginning treatment.
These scientists studied 151 investigations of 30 medications frequently prescribed to manage depression. While not all individuals develops adverse reactions, certain of the most common noted in the research were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.
There were notable disparities between depression treatments. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of one medication was connected with an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug users added almost 2 kg in the equivalent period.
There were also, significant variations in heart function: one antidepressant often would slow pulse rate, in contrast another medication increased it, causing a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed among one drug and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Encompass a Broad Spectrum
Medical specialists commented that the investigation's findings are not new or surprising to psychiatrists.
"We've long known that different antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," a professional commented.
"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these differences among a wide range of bodily measurements employing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," the expert commented.
The investigation offers comprehensive proof of the extent of unwanted effects, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Common depression drug unwanted effects may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, blockage)
- intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (increase or reduction, according to the agent)
- sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, perspiration, headache
At the same time, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:
- increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or apathy
"One thing to note in this context is that there are multiple varying types of depression drugs, which contribute to the different unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," a different professional commented.
"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each patient differently, and negative reactions can vary depending on the particular medication, dose, and personal elements such as metabolism or comorbidities."
Although certain side effects, like fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably common and commonly enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less common or longer-lasting.
Speak with Your Doctor About Serious Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant adverse reactions may differ in severity, which could warrant a change in your medication.
"A change in antidepressant may be necessary if the individual encounters persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," one expert commented.
"Furthermore, if there is an development of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing treatment, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."
You may furthermore consider consulting with your physician concerning any absence of meaningful progress in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. The sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.
Patient preference is additionally significant. Certain individuals may choose to avoid certain unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition