Depression Drug Side Effects Like Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication

• An large new investigation discovered that the side effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
• Certain drugs resulted in reduced body weight, whereas other medications caused added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally differed significantly between medications.
• Patients suffering from ongoing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions should consult a medical provider.

Latest investigations has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

This comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of beginning treatment.

These investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently used to address clinical depression. Although not all individuals develops adverse reactions, certain of the most common noted in the investigation were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

There were notable differences across depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day course of one medication was linked to an average decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to slow cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline raised it, causing a difference of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute across the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg difference seen across nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical professionals commented that the research's conclusions are not considered novel or surprising to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs vary in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," a professional stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these differences among a extensive array of physical indicators employing data from more than 58,000 participants," this specialist noted.

The study provides comprehensive support of the extent of adverse reactions, certain of which are more common than others. Typical depression drug side effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (gain or reduction, based on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sedation)
• dry mouth, sweating, migraine

At the same time, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:

• elevations in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to note here is that there are several different classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying unwanted pharmaceutical effects," another specialist explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect each patient distinctly, and unwanted side effects can range based on the particular medication, dosage, and personal factors including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although some unwanted effects, including fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are quite typical and frequently get better with time, different reactions may be less common or continuing.

Depression drug adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could require a change in your drug.

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person encounters persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," a professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical conditions that may be aggravated by the present drug, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore think about speaking with your physician regarding any deficiency of substantial improvement in low mood or worry signs following an adequate evaluation duration. The adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks at a effective amount.

Individual choice is furthermore significant. Certain people may prefer to evade specific unwanted effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition