Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Including Weight, BP Variations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

Latest study delivers comprehensive proof of the wide range of antidepressant adverse reactions.
  • An large new investigation found that the side effects of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
  • Certain drugs led to weight loss, while others resulted in added mass.
  • Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally differed notably between drugs.
  • Patients suffering from persistent, severe, or concerning unwanted effects should consult a medical provider.

Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant medication side effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

This large-scale investigation, issued on October 21st, analyzed the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of starting therapy.

The researchers analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications frequently used to manage depression. Although not everyone encounters side effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the research were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed striking differences between antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day course of one medication was linked to an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients added close to 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, significant variations in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM among the both treatments. BP varied as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Depression Drug Side Effects Include a Extensive Range

Medical experts noted that the research's conclusions are not novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressants range in their impacts on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," a specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, relative quantification of these differences throughout a broad spectrum of physiological parameters using information from more than 58,000 subjects," the specialist added.

The study delivers strong evidence of the degree of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
  • intimacy issues (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
  • weight changes (increase or loss, according to the drug)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
  • oral dehydration, moisture, headache

Additionally, rarer but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:

  • increases in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
  • low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to note in this context is that there are various distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which lead to the distinct unwanted medication side effects," a different professional commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect each patient distinctly, and negative side effects can vary depending on the specific medication, amount, and individual elements such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although some unwanted effects, including changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite typical and frequently enhance over time, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

Consult with Your Doctor Concerning Intense Side Effects

Antidepressant adverse reactions may differ in intensity, which could require a change in your drug.

"An change in antidepressant may be necessary if the person suffers continuing or intolerable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," a professional commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recent health problems that may be worsened by the current treatment, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."

You may additionally contemplate talking with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of substantial improvement in depressive or anxiety signs following an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.

Personal preference is also significant. Some people may prefer to prevent certain side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Brittany Aguirre
Brittany Aguirre

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to helping others unlock their potential through mindful practices and actionable advice.