Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication

Latest investigation delivers comprehensive findings of the broad spectrum of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • A large latest investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals led to decreased mass, whereas other medications led to added mass.
  • Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure furthermore diverged markedly between drugs.
  • Individuals suffering from ongoing, serious, or troubling side effects should consult a physician.

Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant medication side effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 participants within the first 60 days of starting therapy.

These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to address major depression. While not everyone develops unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent recorded in the investigation were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking disparities between depression treatments. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was connected with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

Additionally, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would slow cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, producing a gap of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. BP varied too, with an 11 mmHg difference noted among one drug and another medication.

Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Comprise a Wide Array

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

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants differ in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," one professional explained.

"However, what is remarkable about this research is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these disparities throughout a extensive spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from over 58,000 individuals," the specialist commented.

This study offers strong proof of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common depression drug adverse reactions may include:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
  • intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
  • body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, based on the drug)
  • rest issues (insomnia or sleepiness)
  • oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • increases in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
  • hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • QTc extension (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • diminished feelings or apathy

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are several varying types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different negative pharmaceutical effects," another professional stated.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can impact each patient distinctly, and unwanted side effects can differ depending on the exact drug, amount, and individual considerations including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although several unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are quite frequent and frequently enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Consult with Your Doctor Regarding Intense Adverse Reactions

Depression drug unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could justify a modification in your drug.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual suffers ongoing or intolerable side effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive care," one expert stated.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing treatment, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

Patients may additionally contemplate speaking with your healthcare provider about any lack of significant progress in depressive or anxiety-related symptoms after an sufficient trial period. The adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Individual preference is additionally important. Certain patients may choose to avoid specific adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Ashley Frazier
Ashley Frazier

A seasoned financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in corporate accounting and tax planning.