Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, BP Variations Range Based on Pharmaceutical

Latest study delivers comprehensive evidence of the broad array of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • An extensive new research found that the side effects of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals led to weight loss, while different drugs resulted in increased body weight.
  • Heart rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged notably across drugs.
  • Those suffering from continuing, intense, or worrisome side effects ought to discuss with a healthcare professional.

Latest studies has revealed that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The extensive study, released on October 21, examined the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of beginning medication.

The scientists examined 151 studies of 30 drugs typically prescribed to manage clinical depression. Although not all individuals encounters side effects, several of the most prevalent recorded in the research were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed notable differences between depression treatments. As an illustration, an two-month treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals added close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

Additionally, marked changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would slow heart rate, whereas another medication raised it, creating a disparity of about 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. Blood pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted among one drug and doxepin.

Depression Drug Side Effects Include a Extensive Range

Healthcare experts noted that the study's findings aren't new or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressants vary in their influences on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these disparities across a broad spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from more than 58,000 participants," the expert commented.

This study provides robust evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than others. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

  • stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, blockage)
  • sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • body weight fluctuations (addition or reduction, according to the medication)
  • rest issues (insomnia or sleepiness)
  • mouth dryness, sweating, headache

At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant unwanted effects may comprise:

  • elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
  • diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are various different types of antidepressant medications, which result in the different unwanted pharmaceutical effects," a different specialist stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect each patient variably, and negative reactions can range according to the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient considerations such as metabolism or comorbidities."

While certain unwanted effects, including changes in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are fairly frequent and often improve with time, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

Consult with Your Physician Regarding Severe Unwanted Effects

Antidepressant adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your treatment.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual suffers ongoing or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," a professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be worsened by the present medication, for example high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."

Individuals may furthermore think about speaking with your doctor about any lack of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety signs after an adequate trial period. An appropriate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dosage.

Personal preference is additionally important. Some people may want to prevent specific side effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Gerald Hill
Gerald Hill

A passionate designer with over a decade of experience in creating innovative visual solutions and sharing industry insights.