Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ by Drug

• An comprehensive latest investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while other medications caused weight gain.
• Heart rate and arterial pressure also diverged notably across treatments.
• Patients experiencing continuing, intense, or troubling unwanted effects should discuss with a healthcare professional.

Latest research has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This comprehensive study, released on October 21st, examined the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of beginning therapy.

The investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to manage depression. Although not all individuals experiences side effects, certain of the most frequent observed in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

There were notable disparities between antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Additionally, marked variations in heart function: one antidepressant tended to decrease heart rate, while nortriptyline raised it, creating a difference of about 21 BPM between the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg difference noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical specialists observed that the investigation's results aren't novel or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that different depression drugs differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic measures," a expert stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the thorough, relative assessment of these disparities among a wide spectrum of physiological parameters using data from in excess of 58,000 individuals," the expert noted.

The research offers robust evidence of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or reduction, according to the agent)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, moisture, head pain

Meanwhile, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"One thing to note here is that there are multiple different categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the distinct adverse pharmaceutical reactions," a different specialist stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can influence each person differently, and negative reactions can differ depending on the particular medication, dosage, and personal elements like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although some unwanted effects, including variations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are quite frequent and often improve as time passes, others may be less typical or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may differ in seriousness, which could require a adjustment in your medication.

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient encounters continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or supportive measures," one specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be aggravated by the present treatment, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally consider talking with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of substantial improvement in depressive or worry symptoms following an sufficient testing period. The appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.

Patient choice is also crucial. Some patients may choose to evade specific unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition