Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

New study delivers strong evidence of the broad array of depression treatment side effects.
  • A comprehensive recent study discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
  • Certain pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, whereas other medications caused added mass.
  • Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore diverged notably among medications.
  • Patients suffering from continuing, severe, or worrisome side effects must discuss with a medical provider.

New research has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The extensive investigation, released on October 21, assessed the effect of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of starting therapy.

These researchers examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently prescribed to manage major depression. Although not everyone encounters adverse reactions, several of the most common recorded in the investigation were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant differences between antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day course of agomelatine was connected with an typical weight loss of about 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients added almost 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, significant fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would reduce pulse rate, whereas another medication elevated it, causing a gap of about 21 beats per minute across the two medications. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Encompass a Extensive Range

Medical professionals commented that the study's results are not considered recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressants vary in their effects on body weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," one expert stated.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, relative quantification of these differences throughout a broad spectrum of physical indicators using data from in excess of 58,000 participants," the specialist noted.

The study provides comprehensive support of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more common than others. Typical depression drug unwanted effects may comprise:

  • stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, blockage)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (increase or loss, according to the drug)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
  • oral dehydration, perspiration, headache

Additionally, less common but medically important unwanted effects may encompass:

  • rises in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • QTc lengthening (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct categories of antidepressants, which lead to the distinct unwanted drug effects," a different professional stated.

"Additionally, depression treatments can impact every individual differently, and unwanted effects can differ depending on the exact drug, dose, and individual factors such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although some unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably common and commonly get better as time passes, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Speak with Your Doctor About Severe Unwanted Effects

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"An change in depression drug may be necessary if the individual encounters persistent or intolerable side effects that do not improve with duration or supportive care," one specialist stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable increased body weight."

You may furthermore contemplate consulting with your doctor concerning any lack of meaningful enhancement in depression-related or worry signs following an sufficient trial period. An adequate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Individual preference is furthermore crucial. Some individuals may want to prevent particular side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

John Bell
John Bell

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