Antidepressant Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Changes Vary Depending on Medication

• An extensive latest research found that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
• Some medications led to reduced body weight, while different drugs led to weight gain.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also varied notably among medications.
• Patients encountering ongoing, severe, or worrisome adverse reactions must consult a medical provider.

Recent studies has found that depression drug side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The large-scale research, issued on October 21, examined the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of starting medication.

These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly employed to manage depression. Although not every patient encounters side effects, some of the most common noted in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable differences across antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was linked to an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug users added close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

There were also, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline increased it, causing a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical experts noted that the investigation's findings are not recent or surprising to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this investigation is the thorough, relative measurement of these differences among a wide range of physical indicators utilizing information from more than 58,000 participants," the specialist added.

This research provides strong evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than others. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

• digestive issues (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (gain or reduction, depending on the agent)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, sweating, head pain

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

• elevations in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple different categories of depression drugs, which result in the different unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," another specialist stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can affect every individual differently, and negative effects can range according to the particular drug, amount, and personal factors including metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain adverse reactions, like fluctuations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are quite frequent and commonly improve with time, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant side effects may range in seriousness, which could require a modification in your drug.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be necessary if the individual experiences persistent or unbearable unwanted effects that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," a professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be aggravated by the present treatment, such as hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."

You may furthermore think about talking with your physician concerning any absence of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety signs after an adequate evaluation duration. An adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.

Patient choice is also significant. Some patients may want to avoid specific side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition