Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

• A comprehensive new investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
• Some drugs caused weight loss, whereas other medications led to weight gain.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally differed notably across drugs.
• Patients experiencing persistent, intense, or concerning unwanted effects must consult a healthcare professional.

New investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication side effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

The large-scale research, published on the 21st of October, assessed the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the first two months of beginning medication.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 medications frequently used to treat major depression. Although not everyone develops adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent noted in the research were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were notable differences across antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was associated with an average weight loss of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, significant variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would reduce pulse rate, in contrast another medication increased it, causing a gap of around 21 BPM between the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted across one drug and another medication.

Clinical professionals observed that the investigation's findings are not new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the thorough, relative assessment of these disparities across a wide array of bodily measurements using information from more than 58,000 subjects," this expert commented.

The investigation provides robust evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant adverse reactions may include:

• stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or decrease, based on the drug)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, sweating, head pain

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

• rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (risk of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to consider in this context is that there are multiple distinct classes of antidepressants, which contribute to the different negative drug effects," another expert commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence every individual variably, and unwanted reactions can range according to the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual considerations like metabolism or comorbidities."

While some adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and commonly get better over time, different reactions may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in seriousness, which could require a change in your medication.

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual experiences persistent or intolerable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," a expert commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be worsened by the current medication, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."

You may furthermore contemplate speaking with your physician regarding any deficiency of substantial enhancement in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators after an adequate testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Patient preference is also significant. Some individuals may prefer to prevent specific unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition