Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, BP Fluctuations Range Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive latest investigation found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs range considerably by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, while different drugs caused added mass.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure also varied significantly between medications.
• Patients encountering ongoing, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects must consult a physician.

Recent research has found that depression drug side effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

This extensive investigation, issued on October 21, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of commencing medication.

These scientists studied 151 studies of 30 medications typically employed to manage major depression. Although not every patient encounters unwanted effects, several of the most common recorded in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were striking disparities among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day regimen of one medication was associated with an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, significant fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would reduce cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline raised it, causing a gap of about 21 BPM between the both treatments. Blood pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted among nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare professionals observed that the research's conclusions are not recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," a professional explained.

"However, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these disparities among a extensive array of physical indicators using data from over 58,000 participants," this specialist commented.

This research provides comprehensive support of the degree of unwanted effects, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent depression drug unwanted effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, depending on the drug)
• sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, headache

At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant unwanted effects may comprise:

• increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple different types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct negative pharmaceutical reactions," another specialist commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each person distinctly, and negative reactions can vary based on the particular medication, dosage, and individual considerations like body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although some unwanted effects, including variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are fairly frequent and often get better with time, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in intensity, which could warrant a modification in your medication.

"A modification in depression drug may be necessary if the person encounters continuing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," one expert commented.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be aggravated by the current medication, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or considerable weight gain."

Patients may additionally contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of substantial progress in depression-related or worry symptoms subsequent to an appropriate trial period. The adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.

Personal choice is also significant. Certain individuals may prefer to avoid particular unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition