Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Changes Differ Depending on Medication
- An large new study determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ significantly by drug.
- Certain medications caused weight loss, whereas others resulted in weight gain.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure also differed significantly across medications.
- Individuals encountering ongoing, severe, or troubling side effects ought to discuss with a medical provider.
Latest investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more diverse than earlier believed.
This comprehensive research, released on October 21st, assessed the influence of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of starting therapy.
These investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly employed to address major depression. Although not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, several of the most common observed in the research were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.
Researchers observed notable differences between depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day course of one medication was associated with an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug patients added almost 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
Furthermore, significant fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a gap of around 21 heartbeats per minute across the both treatments. BP varied too, with an 11 mmHg difference observed between nortriptyline and another medication.
Depression Drug Side Effects Include a Broad Array
Healthcare professionals observed that the study's conclusions aren't new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants range in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," a expert stated.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these disparities across a extensive spectrum of physical indicators using findings from over 58,000 subjects," the specialist added.
The research delivers robust proof of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than others. Common depression drug adverse reactions may include:
- stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
- intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
- weight changes (increase or decrease, depending on the agent)
- sleep problems (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
- dry mouth, sweating, headache
Additionally, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:
- increases in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- liver enzyme elevations
- Corrected QT interval extension (chance of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or lack of interest
"One thing to remember in this context is that there are various varying classes of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different unwanted drug effects," another expert stated.
"Moreover, depression treatments can impact each patient differently, and negative reactions can range according to the exact pharmaceutical, dose, and individual considerations such as metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
Although several adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and frequently get better with time, different reactions may be less common or more persistent.
Speak with Your Physician About Intense Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant adverse reactions may range in severity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.
"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual suffers ongoing or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," one professional stated.
"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the present drug, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable mass addition."
Individuals may furthermore contemplate talking with your healthcare provider about any lack of meaningful improvement in low mood or anxiety signs after an sufficient testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.
Personal choice is furthermore crucial. Some individuals may choose to prevent particular unwanted effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
