Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range Depending on Medication
- A large new study determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
- Some medications resulted in decreased mass, whereas others led to increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and BP furthermore diverged markedly between medications.
- Individuals encountering ongoing, severe, or concerning unwanted effects should speak with a healthcare professional.
New research has discovered that antidepressant side effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.
This extensive study, published on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of starting medication.
The investigators examined 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently employed to treat clinical depression. Although not every patient develops adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent observed in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed striking variations among depression treatments. For example, an eight-week course of agomelatine was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
Furthermore, marked variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline raised it, creating a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute between the two medications. Blood pressure differed also, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen between one drug and doxepin.
Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Include a Broad Spectrum
Healthcare specialists observed that the research's conclusions aren't new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.
"It has long been understood that different depression drugs differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," one professional commented.
"However, what is significant about this research is the thorough, comparative measurement of these differences among a broad array of bodily measurements utilizing findings from over 58,000 individuals," the expert commented.
This study provides comprehensive evidence of the magnitude of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than others. Typical antidepressant side effects may include:
- digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
- sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, depending on the agent)
- rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
- dry mouth, sweating, head pain
Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:
- rises in BP or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- liver enzyme elevations
- QTc lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or lack of interest
"One thing to consider in this context is that there are multiple varying classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," another professional explained.
"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each patient differently, and negative reactions can vary depending on the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual factors including body chemistry or comorbidities."
Although some unwanted effects, including variations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably common and commonly get better with time, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.
Talk with Your Doctor Regarding Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could require a change in your drug.
"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person suffers continuing or unbearable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," one expert commented.
"Furthermore, if there is an development of new medical issues that may be worsened by the present drug, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial mass addition."
Individuals may furthermore consider talking with your physician concerning any absence of significant progress in low mood or worry signs subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. An adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.
Patient preference is additionally important. Certain individuals may prefer to evade particular side effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
