Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• An large latest investigation determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range considerably by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals led to weight loss, whereas different drugs led to weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure additionally diverged significantly between drugs.
• Those experiencing continuing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects must speak with a physician.

New investigations has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This large-scale research, released on October 21, assessed the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the beginning 60 days of starting treatment.

The researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 medications typically used to manage major depression. While not every patient develops adverse reactions, several of the most frequent recorded in the investigation were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed significant variations across depression treatments. For example, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was connected with an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), while another drug users increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

There were also, notable changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to decrease pulse rate, in contrast another medication increased it, creating a difference of around 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. BP varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted across one drug and another medication.

Healthcare professionals commented that the study's conclusions aren't new or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs range in their effects on weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," one professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this research is the thorough, relative assessment of these variations across a extensive range of bodily measurements using information from more than 58,000 participants," the specialist commented.

The investigation delivers strong proof of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may include:

• digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or reduction, according to the agent)
• sleep problems (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, head pain

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

• elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• emotional blunting or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple different types of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying unwanted drug reactions," another professional explained.

"Additionally, depression treatments can impact each person differently, and negative reactions can vary based on the specific medication, dose, and patient considerations like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although several unwanted effects, including changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and often enhance with time, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the individual encounters ongoing or unacceptable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," a specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the present treatment, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant mass addition."

Individuals may additionally consider speaking with your doctor about any lack of meaningful enhancement in depressive or anxiety-related signs subsequent to an appropriate testing period. An appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.

Personal inclination is furthermore crucial. Some patients may want to prevent certain adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition