Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Such as Body Weight, BP Variations Vary by Drug
- A extensive new investigation found that the side effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals resulted in reduced body weight, while others caused weight gain.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged notably among medications.
- Individuals suffering from ongoing, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to discuss with a physician.
Latest studies has found that depression drug side effects may be more varied than previously thought.
The comprehensive investigation, issued on October 21st, examined the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning two months of starting treatment.
The investigators studied 151 studies of 30 drugs commonly used to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone experiences adverse reactions, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the research were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.
Researchers observed significant disparities among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day course of one medication was linked to an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
Furthermore, notable changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, causing a difference of about 21 BPM between the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg difference seen among nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Comprise a Broad Spectrum
Clinical specialists noted that the investigation's conclusions are not considered recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.
"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs differ in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," a expert explained.
"Nevertheless, what is significant about this research is the thorough, comparative assessment of these disparities across a extensive range of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 participants," the specialist added.
The research provides robust evidence of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more common than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:
- stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
- mass variations (gain or decrease, depending on the drug)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
- dry mouth, sweating, migraine
Additionally, rarer but medically important unwanted effects may comprise:
- rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc extension (potential of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or apathy
"An important point to note in this context is that there are various distinct classes of depression drugs, which lead to the varying unwanted medication reactions," another professional stated.
"Moreover, depression treatments can influence each patient variably, and unwanted effects can differ based on the exact medication, dose, and individual factors including body chemistry or comorbidities."
Although certain unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably common and frequently enhance as time passes, other effects may be less typical or continuing.
Talk with Your Doctor Concerning Severe Side Effects
Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in intensity, which could justify a modification in your drug.
"An change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the individual encounters ongoing or intolerable adverse reactions that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," one professional commented.
"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current drug, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or substantial increased body weight."
Patients may also contemplate talking with your physician regarding any lack of meaningful progress in depression-related or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. An adequate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dosage.
Patient preference is furthermore significant. Some people may choose to avoid particular unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
