Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Including Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Based on Pharmaceutical

- A large new study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
- Certain drugs led to weight loss, whereas different drugs led to increased body weight.
- Heart rate and blood pressure additionally diverged markedly among drugs.
- Those suffering from continuing, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects should speak with a physician.
Recent studies has discovered that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more varied than earlier believed.
This comprehensive research, issued on October 21st, analyzed the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of beginning medication.
These scientists analyzed 151 research projects of 30 drugs commonly used to address depression. While not all individuals develops unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent observed in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.
There were notable variations across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug users increased almost 2 kg in the identical duration.
Additionally, significant changes in heart function: one antidepressant often would slow heart rate, while another medication raised it, creating a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg variation seen across one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Encompass a Extensive Spectrum
Healthcare specialists observed that the research's findings aren't novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.
"We've long known that different depression drugs differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," one professional explained.
"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these disparities throughout a wide range of bodily measurements employing data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the specialist added.
The study provides comprehensive evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, some of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may encompass:
- digestive issues (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
- intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
- mass variations (increase or decrease, according to the agent)
- sleep problems (insomnia or sleepiness)
- oral dehydration, sweating, migraine
Additionally, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:
- increases in BP or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or indifference
"One thing to consider in this context is that there are various varying categories of antidepressants, which result in the distinct adverse pharmaceutical side effects," another expert commented.
"Additionally, depression treatments can affect every individual differently, and unwanted effects can range based on the particular medication, amount, and personal factors such as metabolism or simultaneous health issues."
While several side effects, such as changes in rest, appetite, or stamina, are fairly frequent and often get better as time passes, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.
Speak with Your Doctor Regarding Severe Side Effects
Depression drug side effects may range in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.
"An modification in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person experiences persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or supportive care," one expert said.
"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the existing medication, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial mass addition."
You may also consider speaking with your doctor concerning any deficiency of substantial improvement in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms after an sufficient testing period. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a effective amount.
Individual inclination is furthermore significant. Some individuals may prefer to evade certain adverse reactions, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition