Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

• An extensive recent investigation discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
• Some drugs resulted in decreased mass, while other medications resulted in weight gain.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure additionally differed significantly across medications.
• Those encountering persistent, severe, or worrisome adverse reactions ought to speak with a physician.

Latest studies has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The comprehensive research, issued on the 21st of October, examined the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 individuals within the first eight weeks of starting medication.

The scientists studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently prescribed to treat depression. While not every patient encounters adverse reactions, several of the most frequent noted in the study were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable variations among depression treatments. For example, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was connected with an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Furthermore, marked changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to decrease heart rate, while another medication elevated it, creating a difference of around 21 BPM among the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare experts commented that the investigation's results aren't new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that various antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," one specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these disparities among a extensive range of physical indicators employing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this expert added.

The investigation offers strong support of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more common than other effects. Typical antidepressant adverse reactions may include:

• stomach problems (queasiness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (increase or decrease, according to the agent)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, migraine

Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant side effects may include:

• increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (potential of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"One thing to consider here is that there are various varying types of antidepressant medications, which result in the different adverse medication effects," another expert explained.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can impact every individual differently, and adverse reactions can range depending on the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient factors like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While some side effects, such as variations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and often get better over time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may differ in seriousness, which could require a modification in your drug.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person experiences continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," one specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be aggravated by the current drug, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."

You may furthermore consider talking with your physician concerning any lack of meaningful progress in depression-related or anxiety signs after an appropriate trial period. The adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.

Individual inclination is additionally crucial. Certain patients may prefer to prevent particular unwanted effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition