Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Based on Pharmaceutical

- An comprehensive recent investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
- Some drugs caused weight loss, while different drugs led to increased body weight.
- Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also varied significantly among medications.
- Those experiencing continuing, intense, or troubling adverse reactions ought to consult a physician.
Recent research has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more extensive than once assumed.
This comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21st, examined the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the first 60 days of starting treatment.
The researchers analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly prescribed to address major depression. While not all individuals experiences unwanted effects, several of the most common observed in the research were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.
Researchers observed notable variations across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of one medication was connected with an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals increased nearly 2 kg in the same duration.
Furthermore, marked fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline elevated it, creating a difference of about 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation observed among one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Encompass a Extensive Array
Clinical experts commented that the study's results are not new or unexpected to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that different antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a professional explained.
"However, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these differences throughout a broad array of physiological parameters utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," this expert noted.
This investigation provides comprehensive evidence of the extent of side effects, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common depression drug side effects may encompass:
- stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
- body weight fluctuations (gain or reduction, depending on the drug)
- sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or sedation)
- oral dehydration, moisture, headache
Additionally, rarer but therapeutically relevant side effects may include:
- rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc extension (risk of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- emotional blunting or indifference
"A key factor to remember in this context is that there are several distinct types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct adverse drug effects," another specialist commented.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact every individual distinctly, and negative effects can range based on the exact pharmaceutical, dose, and personal considerations like metabolism or comorbidities."
While several side effects, like variations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are fairly frequent and commonly enhance with time, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.
Consult with Your Doctor About Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication side effects may vary in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your drug.
"A modification in depression drug may be necessary if the individual experiences persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," a expert commented.
"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the current treatment, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."
You may additionally think about consulting with your doctor concerning any lack of substantial progress in low mood or worry indicators subsequent to an sufficient trial period. An appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.
Patient inclination is furthermore crucial. Certain individuals may want to avoid specific side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition