Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, BP Changes Differ Depending on Medication

Recent research provides comprehensive proof of the broad array of antidepressant side effects.
  • A comprehensive new study discovered that the side effects of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals led to weight loss, whereas others led to added mass.
  • Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged notably between medications.
  • Individuals encountering ongoing, intense, or worrisome side effects ought to consult a physician.

New investigations has found that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

The comprehensive study, issued on October 21, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on over 58,000 participants within the initial two months of commencing treatment.

These scientists studied 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to address clinical depression. Although not everyone encounters side effects, several of the most common recorded in the study were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking variations between antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month regimen of one medication was connected with an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline individuals gained almost 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, significant variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to slow heart rate, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, producing a gap of approximately 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed between one drug and another medication.

Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Comprise a Extensive Array

Clinical experts noted that the research's conclusions are not considered recent or surprising to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," a professional commented.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these variations throughout a broad spectrum of physiological parameters employing findings from over 58,000 participants," the specialist added.

This research provides comprehensive support of the degree of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:

  • digestive issues (queasiness, loose stools, blockage)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (addition or loss, according to the medication)
  • sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
  • oral dehydration, perspiration, headache

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

  • rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
  • reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to note here is that there are multiple distinct categories of antidepressants, which result in the distinct adverse medication side effects," a different expert explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can affect each patient differently, and unwanted effects can range based on the exact medication, amount, and individual elements including metabolism or comorbidities."

Although some unwanted effects, such as changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably common and commonly get better as time passes, different reactions may be less common or more persistent.

Talk with Your Physician About Intense Adverse Reactions

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in severity, which could justify a modification in your treatment.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be necessary if the individual suffers continuing or intolerable unwanted effects that don't get better with duration or management strategies," one professional said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing drug, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant weight gain."

Individuals may also think about speaking with your doctor about any lack of significant improvement in low mood or anxiety indicators after an adequate evaluation duration. An sufficient testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dose.

Patient inclination is additionally significant. Certain individuals may want to evade specific side effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Desiree Alexander
Desiree Alexander

Interior designer and home decor enthusiast with a passion for creating cozy, stylish spaces.