Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range by Drug

• A comprehensive new study determined that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, whereas other medications resulted in weight gain.
• Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore diverged notably across drugs.
• Patients encountering continuing, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects should speak with a healthcare professional.

New research has discovered that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more extensive than once assumed.

The comprehensive research, issued on the 21st of October, examined the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of commencing therapy.

These researchers studied 151 investigations of 30 medications typically employed to address clinical depression. Although not everyone encounters unwanted effects, some of the most frequent observed in the study were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed significant variations across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an 60-day regimen of one medication was connected with an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients gained nearly 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, notable fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant often would decrease heart rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, producing a gap of around 21 BPM across the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg variation seen among one drug and doxepin.

Medical specialists commented that the study's results aren't recent or surprising to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs range in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one professional commented.

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the thorough, relative quantification of these differences throughout a wide range of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 individuals," the expert noted.

This investigation delivers comprehensive evidence of the extent of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may include:

• digestive issues (nausea, bowel issues, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (increase or loss, according to the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, headache

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

• increases in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to note here is that there are several distinct categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct adverse drug side effects," another expert commented.

"Additionally, depression treatments can affect each person differently, and adverse effects can vary based on the exact drug, dosage, and personal considerations such as body chemistry or comorbidities."

While several adverse reactions, like changes in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and commonly get better over time, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication side effects may range in severity, which could require a change in your medication.

"An adjustment in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient encounters persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with time or supportive measures," a specialist commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may also contemplate consulting with your doctor concerning any deficiency of substantial enhancement in depressive or worry signs subsequent to an sufficient testing period. The adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Patient preference is additionally significant. Some individuals may choose to avoid specific adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition