Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ by Drug

• An large recent investigation determined that the side effects of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
• Some medications resulted in decreased mass, whereas others led to added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP additionally diverged markedly among drugs.
• Those experiencing continuing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects should discuss with a medical provider.

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

The comprehensive investigation, published on October 21, assessed the effect of depression treatments on more than 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of beginning medication.

These researchers analyzed 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently used to treat depression. While not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the study were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed striking differences among antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients added nearly 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, notable changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to decrease pulse rate, in contrast another medication raised it, creating a disparity of about 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted between one drug and doxepin.

Clinical specialists commented that the investigation's findings are not considered novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressant medications differ in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one expert stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based assessment of these variations throughout a broad array of physiological parameters employing findings from more than 58,000 participants," this expert added.

This study delivers robust support of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more common than others. Typical depression drug unwanted effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, blockage)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• mass variations (increase or loss, depending on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, headache

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

• rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (potential of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to consider here is that there are several distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying adverse pharmaceutical side effects," a different expert explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact every individual distinctly, and negative reactions can differ according to the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual elements including body chemistry or comorbidities."

While some side effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are fairly frequent and commonly improve over time, different reactions may be less typical or more persistent.

Depression drug side effects may differ in intensity, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"An adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual experiences persistent or intolerable side effects that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," one specialist commented.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the existing treatment, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable increased body weight."

Patients may furthermore consider talking with your doctor about any absence of substantial improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related signs following an appropriate evaluation duration. The adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic amount.

Patient choice is furthermore important. Certain individuals may choose to avoid certain adverse reactions, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition