Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

New research delivers strong findings of the extensive array of depression treatment side effects.
  • A large latest research discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants range substantially by drug.
  • Certain medications resulted in decreased mass, whereas other medications caused added mass.
  • Cardiac rhythm and BP additionally differed markedly across treatments.
  • Those encountering continuing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to consult a healthcare professional.

Recent studies has discovered that depression drug side effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The extensive investigation, issued on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of beginning therapy.

The scientists studied 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly employed to treat depression. Although not all individuals encounters adverse reactions, some of the most frequent recorded in the investigation were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were striking disparities across depression treatments. For instance, an two-month regimen of one medication was connected with an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

Additionally, marked variations in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, creating a disparity of about 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted across one drug and another medication.

Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Encompass a Extensive Spectrum

Healthcare specialists observed that the research's conclusions are not considered new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that different depression drugs differ in their impacts on weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.

"However, what is notable about this research is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these variations across a broad range of bodily measurements using information from more than 58,000 participants," the specialist noted.

This study delivers robust evidence of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than different reactions. Common depression drug unwanted effects may encompass:

  • digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
  • intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (increase or decrease, based on the agent)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
  • oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but medically important side effects may comprise:

  • elevations in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc lengthening (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • emotional blunting or apathy

"A key factor to remember here is that there are multiple different categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying unwanted drug reactions," another specialist explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect every individual differently, and unwanted effects can differ according to the specific medication, dose, and personal elements such as metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While some side effects, like changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are quite common and often improve over time, different reactions may be less common or more persistent.

Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Serious Unwanted Effects

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

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual encounters ongoing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a expert commented.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing drug, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable weight gain."

Individuals may also consider speaking with your healthcare provider about any deficiency of significant improvement in depressive or anxiety signs after an appropriate evaluation duration. The sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Patient inclination is furthermore crucial. Certain patients may prefer to avoid certain side effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Scott Vega
Scott Vega

A seasoned journalist and lifestyle writer, passionate about uncovering stories that matter in everyday life.