Antidepressant Side Effects Including Weight, BP Changes Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive new investigation determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ substantially by drug.
• Certain drugs resulted in weight loss, while different drugs resulted in weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also differed significantly among drugs.
• Individuals experiencing persistent, severe, or troubling side effects should speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest research has found that antidepressant side effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

The comprehensive research, issued on the 21st of October, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of commencing medication.

These investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently prescribed to address clinical depression. While not all individuals develops unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking variations between antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline users increased close to 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, notable changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline raised it, producing a difference of about 21 BPM between the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed also, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen between one drug and doxepin.

Medical specialists noted that the investigation's conclusions are not considered novel or surprising to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants vary in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," one professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these disparities throughout a wide array of physiological parameters employing data from over 58,000 subjects," this professional commented.

The study offers comprehensive evidence of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, depending on the drug)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
• dry mouth, moisture, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:

• elevations in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• increased liver enzymes
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"A key factor to note regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct categories of antidepressants, which result in the distinct negative medication side effects," another professional explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient differently, and unwanted effects can vary depending on the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal considerations such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain side effects, like changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are reasonably frequent and often improve with time, different reactions may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in severity, which could warrant a modification in your drug.

"An modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient encounters continuing or intolerable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," one specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the existing treatment, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally consider consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of substantial improvement in depression-related or anxiety indicators subsequent to an sufficient testing period. The adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Personal choice is furthermore crucial. Certain individuals may want to avoid specific unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition