Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Depending on Medication

• An large latest research found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
• Some drugs caused reduced body weight, while other medications resulted in weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore varied notably across medications.
• Patients suffering from ongoing, severe, or troubling unwanted effects should discuss with a medical provider.

New studies has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

The extensive research, issued on the 21st of October, assessed the influence of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first two months of commencing treatment.

These researchers examined 151 studies of 30 medications frequently used to manage major depression. While not all individuals develops side effects, some of the most prevalent recorded in the study were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant differences between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of one medication was associated with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients increased almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Furthermore, marked changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to slow heart rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute among the two drugs. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg variation observed among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical professionals commented that the investigation's findings aren't new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that different antidepressant medications differ in their impacts on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," a specialist explained.

"However, what is notable about this research is the thorough, comparison-based assessment of these differences across a extensive range of physiological parameters utilizing findings from in excess of 58,000 participants," this professional added.

The study provides strong evidence of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent depression drug side effects may comprise:

• digestive issues (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (addition or reduction, depending on the medication)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, head pain

Additionally, rarer but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may encompass:

• increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to note here is that there are various different classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying adverse medication side effects," another professional explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each person differently, and negative side effects can differ based on the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal factors like body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain side effects, such as changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and commonly improve over time, others may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may differ in severity, which could warrant a modification in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the patient suffers persistent or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," a expert stated.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally consider talking with your physician regarding any absence of significant progress in depressive or anxiety signs subsequent to an adequate evaluation duration. An sufficient testing period is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.

Personal preference is additionally crucial. Some patients may prefer to prevent certain side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition