Depression Drug Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range by Drug

• An comprehensive new study found that the side effects of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
• Certain drugs led to reduced body weight, whereas different drugs resulted in weight gain.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure also diverged markedly among treatments.
• Those experiencing continuing, severe, or concerning adverse reactions must consult a physician.

Latest studies has found that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The comprehensive study, published on the 21st of October, examined the impact of depression treatments on over 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of starting treatment.

These investigators examined 151 studies of 30 medications frequently employed to address clinical depression. While not every patient develops unwanted effects, several of the most frequent observed in the research were fluctuations in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

There were significant differences among antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month treatment period of one medication was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals added nearly 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Additionally, marked variations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease heart rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it, creating a difference of about 21 BPM among the both treatments. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen among nortriptyline and another medication.

Clinical specialists observed that the study's results are not considered new or startling to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different depression drugs differ in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," a professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this study is the comprehensive, comparative measurement of these variations among a broad array of physiological parameters utilizing information from over 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.

The research delivers robust support of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:

• digestive issues (queasiness, loose stools, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (addition or decrease, based on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, headache

Meanwhile, less common but medically important unwanted effects may include:

• elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc extension (chance of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or indifference

"One thing to consider in this context is that there are various distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the different negative medication effects," a different expert commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each patient differently, and negative reactions can vary depending on the particular medication, amount, and individual factors such as metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although several adverse reactions, like changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and frequently get better over time, other effects may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in severity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual suffers ongoing or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," one professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for example elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may also think about consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of substantial progress in low mood or worry symptoms following an adequate trial period. An adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.

Personal choice is additionally significant. Some people may prefer to evade specific unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition