Depression Drug Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary by Drug
- An large recent investigation found that the side effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, whereas other medications led to increased body weight.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged significantly between medications.
- Those experiencing ongoing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions must speak with a medical provider.
Recent studies has discovered that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than once assumed.
This large-scale study, released on October 21, examined the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of starting therapy.
The investigators examined 151 studies of 30 medications frequently used to address depression. Although not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, several of the most frequent observed in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
There were striking variations among antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals added close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.
Additionally, notable changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, creating a disparity of around 21 BPM between the two drugs. BP varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen between one drug and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Comprise a Extensive Array
Healthcare experts commented that the research's conclusions are not new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.
"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications differ in their influences on body weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," a expert explained.
"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, relative measurement of these variations across a broad array of bodily measurements utilizing data from more than 58,000 participants," this expert commented.
This study offers strong proof of the extent of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, blockage)
- sexual problems (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- mass variations (gain or decrease, based on the agent)
- rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
- oral dehydration, sweating, migraine
Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may encompass:
- elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or indifference
"A key factor to note in this context is that there are several distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical effects," another professional explained.
"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence every individual differently, and unwanted side effects can range depending on the specific medication, dose, and patient factors such as metabolism or simultaneous health issues."
Although several adverse reactions, such as variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably typical and commonly get better with time, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.
Speak with Your Doctor About Serious Side Effects
Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.
"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the person encounters continuing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," one expert said.
"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new medical conditions that may be worsened by the existing treatment, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."
You may additionally think about consulting with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety signs following an adequate evaluation duration. An sufficient testing period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.
Patient preference is additionally significant. Some individuals may want to avoid particular adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
