Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

• A comprehensive latest research determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
• Some drugs led to weight loss, whereas different drugs caused added mass.
• Pulse rate and BP also diverged notably among treatments.
• Those encountering ongoing, serious, or concerning side effects should consult a physician.

Latest research has found that depression drug adverse reactions may be more extensive than previously thought.

The comprehensive study, published on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the first eight weeks of beginning medication.

These scientists analyzed 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently employed to treat major depression. Although not everyone develops unwanted effects, several of the most frequent observed in the study were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking variations between depression treatments. For instance, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline individuals gained almost 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

Furthermore, marked variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce pulse rate, while another medication raised it, producing a difference of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. BP varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference seen between one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare experts commented that the research's conclusions are not considered novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different depression drugs differ in their influences on weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," one specialist explained.

"However, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparison-based measurement of these variations throughout a wide spectrum of bodily measurements utilizing information from over 58,000 individuals," the specialist noted.

This research provides robust proof of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent antidepressant adverse reactions may comprise:

• stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (increase or loss, according to the agent)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
• dry mouth, perspiration, migraine

Meanwhile, less common but medically important unwanted effects may include:

• elevations in BP or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc extension (risk of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are several different types of antidepressants, which result in the different adverse medication effects," a different professional commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect each patient variably, and adverse reactions can differ according to the exact medication, amount, and individual considerations including body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although several unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are quite common and frequently get better over time, other effects may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant medication side effects may range in severity, which could warrant a change in your drug.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual encounters persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or supportive measures," one professional said.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable increased body weight."

Individuals may furthermore consider speaking with your physician concerning any deficiency of meaningful improvement in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms after an appropriate testing period. The adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a effective dosage.

Personal choice is also important. Certain people may prefer to prevent specific unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition