Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Such as Weight, BP Variations Range Depending on Medication

• A large recent study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
• Some drugs caused reduced body weight, while different drugs resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and BP also varied markedly between treatments.
• Patients encountering persistent, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to consult a healthcare professional.

New investigations has found that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

The extensive study, issued on October 21, analyzed the influence of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of commencing therapy.

These scientists studied 151 studies of 30 medications frequently employed to address clinical depression. While not everyone experiences adverse reactions, some of the most frequent noted in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking variations across antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an eight-week course of one medication was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug users added almost 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Furthermore, notable changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication increased it, producing a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen between nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare experts observed that the research's findings are not considered novel or surprising to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these differences throughout a broad range of physical indicators employing findings from in excess of 58,000 participants," the specialist noted.

This study provides comprehensive evidence of the magnitude of unwanted effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:

• digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (addition or reduction, depending on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, head pain

At the same time, rarer but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may comprise:

• rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to note regarding this matter is that there are various varying classes of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical effects," a different specialist stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can affect every individual variably, and adverse reactions can differ based on the exact medication, amount, and patient factors such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although several unwanted effects, including variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are fairly common and often improve over time, others may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could justify a modification in your treatment.

"An change in depression drug may be warranted if the individual suffers persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or supportive care," one specialist stated.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be worsened by the existing drug, for instance hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."

Individuals may additionally think about speaking with your physician about any lack of significant improvement in low mood or worry signs following an sufficient testing period. An appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Patient preference is also important. Certain patients may want to avoid specific unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition