Depression Drug Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

• A extensive new investigation found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications vary substantially by drug.
• Some medications led to reduced body weight, while others resulted in weight gain.
• Pulse rate and BP additionally differed notably between treatments.
• Patients encountering ongoing, intense, or worrisome side effects must speak with a medical provider.

New investigations has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The extensive study, published on the 21st of October, assessed the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of commencing medication.

These scientists studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently prescribed to manage depression. Although not everyone develops unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent recorded in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant variations across depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day course of agomelatine was connected with an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Additionally, notable variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline raised it, causing a difference of around 21 BPM among the both treatments. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg variation observed between one drug and doxepin.

Medical experts commented that the research's findings aren't novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a specialist stated.

"However, what is remarkable about this study is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these disparities among a extensive range of physiological parameters utilizing findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this specialist noted.

The study offers robust proof of the degree of side effects, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical depression drug unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• weight changes (gain or decrease, depending on the agent)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or sedation)
• mouth dryness, sweating, migraine

At the same time, less common but medically important unwanted effects may include:

• increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"One thing to remember here is that there are various varying types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct negative drug effects," a different expert explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each patient differently, and unwanted side effects can range based on the exact drug, dose, and patient elements such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While several unwanted effects, like changes in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are fairly common and commonly enhance with time, different reactions may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could justify a modification in your treatment.

"An adjustment in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient suffers persistent or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," one expert stated.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the present drug, such as high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."

You may also consider talking with your physician concerning any deficiency of substantial enhancement in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an sufficient trial period. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dose.

Patient preference is furthermore important. Certain individuals may choose to prevent particular adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition