Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Range Depending on Medication
- A comprehensive latest investigation determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ significantly by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in reduced body weight, whereas others resulted in increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure furthermore diverged notably among drugs.
- Those encountering persistent, intense, or concerning unwanted effects should consult a medical provider.
Recent studies has revealed that depression drug adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.
The large-scale investigation, released on October 21, analyzed the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of commencing therapy.
These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 medications frequently used to address depression. While not everyone develops unwanted effects, some of the most common observed in the research were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.
There were notable disparities among depression treatments. For instance, an eight-week regimen of one medication was connected with an average decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline individuals gained close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.
Additionally, notable variations in heart function: one antidepressant often would slow pulse rate, while another medication raised it, creating a difference of about 21 BPM across the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted between one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Include a Wide Range
Medical specialists observed that the study's results are not novel or unexpected to psychiatrists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressant medications vary in their influences on body weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," one professional explained.
"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the thorough, comparison-based measurement of these variations across a extensive spectrum of physical indicators employing information from over 58,000 subjects," this professional noted.
The research delivers strong support of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication unwanted effects may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
- intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, according to the agent)
- rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
- dry mouth, sweating, head pain
Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may encompass:
- rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or indifference
"An important point to consider in this context is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressants, which lead to the different negative pharmaceutical side effects," a different expert commented.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect every individual variably, and unwanted side effects can range based on the exact drug, dosage, and personal considerations including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."
While some adverse reactions, like variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably common and commonly improve as time passes, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.
Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Severe Unwanted Effects
Depression drug side effects may differ in severity, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.
"A adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the person suffers ongoing or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," a specialist stated.
"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current drug, for instance elevated BP, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."
Individuals may also think about speaking with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of substantial progress in depression-related or anxiety signs subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. An sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.
Patient inclination is also significant. Certain individuals may want to prevent specific adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
