Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, BP Changes Differ Depending on Medication

• A extensive recent research determined that the side effects of depression drugs range considerably by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, whereas others led to weight gain.
• Heart rate and blood pressure additionally varied significantly across treatments.
• Those encountering persistent, severe, or troubling unwanted effects should consult a healthcare professional.

New research has found that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

This comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21, assessed the impact of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the first 60 days of starting treatment.

The investigators studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to address depression. Although not everyone develops side effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the study were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable disparities between depression treatments. For example, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was connected with an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, marked fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline increased it, causing a difference of around 21 BPM between the both treatments. BP varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation seen across one drug and another medication.

Healthcare specialists commented that the study's conclusions are not new or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressants range in their impacts on weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," one professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these variations throughout a extensive array of bodily measurements using data from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this specialist noted.

The research provides comprehensive evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, certain of which are more common than others. Typical depression drug side effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (addition or reduction, based on the drug)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, headache

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

• increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to note here is that there are several varying classes of depression drugs, which result in the different unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," another specialist commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect each person variably, and adverse reactions can differ depending on the exact drug, dosage, and individual factors including metabolism or comorbidities."

Although some side effects, like variations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are quite frequent and commonly enhance as time passes, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may differ in severity, which could require a change in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person suffers continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," one expert commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current drug, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

Patients may additionally contemplate talking with your doctor regarding any deficiency of meaningful progress in low mood or anxiety-related signs subsequent to an appropriate testing period. The appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment dosage.

Personal choice is additionally significant. Certain people may prefer to evade specific adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition