Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

Latest investigation delivers strong findings of the extensive array of antidepressant unwanted effects.
  • An extensive recent investigation determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
  • Some medications resulted in weight loss, whereas different drugs led to added mass.
  • Heart rate and BP furthermore varied markedly between treatments.
  • Patients suffering from persistent, intense, or troubling side effects should discuss with a medical provider.

Recent research has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

This large-scale investigation, released on October 21st, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 subjects within the first 60 days of starting therapy.

These scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to manage major depression. Although not all individuals develops unwanted effects, certain of the most frequent noted in the study were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed notable disparities between depression treatments. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals increased close to 2 kg in the same duration.

Furthermore, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to slow cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, producing a gap of around 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. BP differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Antidepressant Side Effects Comprise a Broad Array

Medical specialists commented that the investigation's results are not considered new or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different depression drugs range in their impacts on weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," a professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparative measurement of these variations across a broad range of physical indicators using information from over 58,000 participants," this specialist commented.

The study offers comprehensive support of the magnitude of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may include:

  • stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
  • sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • weight changes (gain or decrease, depending on the drug)
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
  • dry mouth, perspiration, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:

  • increases in arterial pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • QTc lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and certain tricyclics)
  • diminished feelings or indifference

"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressants, which lead to the different negative medication side effects," another specialist commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual variably, and unwanted effects can vary based on the exact drug, dosage, and patient factors like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although several adverse reactions, such as variations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably common and commonly get better as time passes, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Speak with Your Doctor Concerning Intense Adverse Reactions

Antidepressant medication side effects may range in severity, which could require a adjustment in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual suffers ongoing or intolerable adverse reactions that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," one professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the current treatment, such as hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

Patients may also think about speaking with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of significant progress in low mood or worry symptoms after an adequate evaluation duration. The sufficient testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Patient preference is also significant. Some patients may want to prevent specific unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Kevin Jordan
Kevin Jordan

A passionate historian and travel writer dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems of Italian cultural heritage.