Depression Drug Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

• An extensive latest investigation found that the side effects of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in weight loss, while different drugs led to added mass.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also diverged notably between drugs.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, severe, or worrisome adverse reactions should discuss with a medical provider.

New research has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This extensive study, issued on October 21, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of beginning medication.

The researchers examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to address major depression. Although not every patient develops unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent observed in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

There were notable disparities across antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month treatment period of one medication was connected with an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals increased almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Furthermore, significant changes in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease pulse rate, whereas another medication increased it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM across the two medications. Blood pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg difference noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Medical experts noted that the investigation's conclusions are not considered recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the thorough, comparative assessment of these variations throughout a wide spectrum of physiological parameters using information from over 58,000 individuals," the professional commented.

This study offers strong support of the degree of adverse reactions, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or loss, depending on the medication)
• rest issues (insomnia or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, migraine

Meanwhile, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may include:

• elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"A key factor to note regarding this matter is that there are several different categories of antidepressants, which result in the different negative pharmaceutical side effects," a different specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each patient variably, and unwanted side effects can differ based on the specific drug, dose, and individual elements such as metabolism or comorbidities."

Although some side effects, such as variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are quite frequent and commonly get better over time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in intensity, which could warrant a modification in your medication.

"A modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient encounters persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or management strategies," one specialist stated.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the current drug, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may furthermore consider talking with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety symptoms following an adequate evaluation duration. An appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a effective dosage.

Personal preference is additionally important. Some patients may choose to avoid certain adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition