Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary by Drug
- An comprehensive recent research determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals led to reduced body weight, while different drugs resulted in weight gain.
- Cardiac rhythm and BP also differed notably among treatments.
- Those encountering ongoing, intense, or troubling unwanted effects must speak with a physician.
Latest research has found that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.
The large-scale research, issued on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of beginning treatment.
These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to address depression. Although not all individuals develops unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the study were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
There were significant variations across depression treatments. For example, an eight-week regimen of one medication was linked to an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline users gained nearly 2 kg in the identical duration.
Additionally, notable changes in heart function: one antidepressant tended to decrease heart rate, while another medication elevated it, causing a difference of about 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed across one drug and doxepin.
Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Comprise a Extensive Range
Medical experts observed that the investigation's results are not considered recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that various depression drugs range in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," one professional explained.
"Nevertheless, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these disparities across a broad range of physiological parameters using information from over 58,000 individuals," the professional noted.
The investigation provides robust evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent depression drug side effects may encompass:
- stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, blockage)
- intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (increase or decrease, according to the medication)
- sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
- oral dehydration, perspiration, headache
Additionally, rarer but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:
- rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or lack of interest
"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are various varying types of antidepressants, which result in the distinct adverse medication reactions," another professional stated.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence each person variably, and adverse effects can range based on the particular pharmaceutical, amount, and personal factors such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."
Although several unwanted effects, like fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are quite common and frequently get better over time, others may be less common or continuing.
Consult with Your Physician About Intense Side Effects
Depression drug side effects may vary in severity, which could require a modification in your medication.
"A modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient experiences ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with duration or management strategies," a specialist commented.
"Additionally, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present drug, for instance elevated BP, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."
You may furthermore consider talking with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of significant progress in low mood or worry indicators following an adequate trial period. An sufficient evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.
Personal preference is furthermore important. Certain people may choose to avoid particular side effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
