Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Such as Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• A large recent study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications range considerably by drug.
• Some medications led to decreased mass, while different drugs caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also varied notably between drugs.
• Those experiencing persistent, serious, or concerning side effects should consult a healthcare professional.

Recent research has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The large-scale study, published on October 21, examined the influence of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the initial 60 days of beginning therapy.

These researchers examined 151 research projects of 30 medications typically employed to address clinical depression. Although not every patient experiences adverse reactions, several of the most frequent noted in the study were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed significant differences between depression treatments. For example, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was associated with an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

There were also, notable variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease heart rate, whereas another medication increased it, producing a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute among the two medications. BP varied too, with an 11 mmHg difference seen across one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare specialists observed that the research's findings are not new or startling to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that various depression drugs differ in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," a specialist explained.

"However, what is notable about this research is the thorough, comparison-based assessment of these differences among a broad array of bodily measurements employing information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the specialist commented.

This research offers robust proof of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than others. Typical antidepressant unwanted effects may encompass:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, depending on the drug)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, migraine

At the same time, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

• elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc extension (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to note in this context is that there are several distinct classes of antidepressant medications, which result in the different adverse medication effects," a different expert stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can impact each person variably, and unwanted effects can differ depending on the exact drug, amount, and patient considerations like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

While some unwanted effects, like variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably common and frequently enhance as time passes, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Depression drug side effects may vary in severity, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual experiences ongoing or unbearable side effects that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," a expert commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, for example elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."

You may furthermore consider consulting with your healthcare provider about any lack of significant enhancement in low mood or worry symptoms subsequent to an appropriate trial period. The appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.

Personal preference is also important. Some individuals may prefer to prevent particular side effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition