Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

Latest investigation provides robust findings of the extensive array of depression treatment side effects.
  • A extensive latest study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ substantially by drug.
  • Some medications resulted in reduced body weight, while others led to increased body weight.
  • Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally differed notably among drugs.
  • Individuals suffering from persistent, intense, or worrisome side effects should consult a healthcare professional.

Recent research has discovered that depression drug side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This extensive study, released on the 21st of October, examined the influence of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of beginning therapy.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly prescribed to manage major depression. Although not everyone develops side effects, certain of the most frequent recorded in the study were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed striking disparities across antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an 60-day regimen of one medication was connected with an average decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), while another drug users gained almost 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, marked fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to decrease heart rate, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a difference of about 21 BPM across the two medications. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg difference seen across one drug and another medication.

Depression Drug Side Effects Encompass a Wide Range

Clinical professionals commented that the investigation's results are not new or startling to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants differ in their influences on body weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," one professional stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these differences across a extensive range of physiological parameters employing findings from more than 58,000 participants," this professional commented.

This investigation delivers robust support of the degree of adverse reactions, certain of which are more prevalent than others. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may include:

  • stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, irregularity)
  • intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (gain or decrease, according to the agent)
  • sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
  • oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

Meanwhile, less frequent but clinically significant unwanted effects may encompass:

  • rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
  • low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • QTc extension (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
  • diminished feelings or apathy

"An important point to consider in this context is that there are several distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," a different expert explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence each person differently, and unwanted effects can range based on the specific pharmaceutical, dose, and individual elements including body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While several side effects, including changes in rest, appetite, or vitality, are quite typical and frequently improve as time passes, different reactions may be less common or continuing.

Speak with Your Physician Concerning Intense Unwanted Effects

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be warranted if the individual experiences continuing or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," one specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of new medical issues that may be worsened by the present drug, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or substantial increased body weight."

Patients may furthermore think about talking with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety-related signs after an appropriate trial period. An adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.

Personal choice is also important. Certain people may choose to avoid particular adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Elizabeth Cohen
Elizabeth Cohen

Tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society.