Depression Drug Side Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary by Drug
- An extensive recent study determined that the side effects of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals led to decreased mass, whereas others caused added mass.
- Pulse rate and BP also differed significantly between treatments.
- Those suffering from continuing, severe, or concerning adverse reactions should consult a physician.
Recent investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more extensive than earlier believed.
The large-scale study, issued on October 21, analyzed the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the initial eight weeks of beginning therapy.
The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 medications commonly used to address major depression. While not everyone develops adverse reactions, some of the most frequent recorded in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
There were striking variations across antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline patients gained nearly 2 kg in the identical timeframe.
Furthermore, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would decrease cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline elevated it, causing a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute among the two medications. Blood pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Encompass a Broad Array
Healthcare specialists noted that the investigation's conclusions aren't novel or startling to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that various antidepressants differ in their impacts on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," one specialist explained.
"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based measurement of these differences among a broad spectrum of physiological parameters utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 participants," this specialist noted.
The research offers comprehensive proof of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Typical depression drug side effects may include:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
- sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or reduction, depending on the drug)
- sleep problems (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
- dry mouth, moisture, migraine
Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may include:
- elevations in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- low sodium (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval extension (potential of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or apathy
"A key factor to remember in this context is that there are multiple varying types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct adverse pharmaceutical reactions," a different professional explained.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each person differently, and unwanted effects can vary based on the exact medication, dosage, and individual factors such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."
While several unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably frequent and often enhance over time, others may be less common or continuing.
Consult with Your Physician Concerning Intense Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant side effects may range in seriousness, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.
"A modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the person suffers ongoing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," one professional stated.
"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be worsened by the existing drug, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable mass addition."
Patients may also consider speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any deficiency of meaningful enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related signs subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. The adequate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dose.
Patient preference is additionally significant. Certain patients may want to evade particular adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
