Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Range by Drug

Recent study delivers robust findings of the wide range of depression treatment unwanted effects.
  • A large latest investigation determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range considerably by drug.
  • Some medications caused reduced body weight, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
  • Heart rate and BP furthermore diverged significantly between treatments.
  • Individuals suffering from continuing, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to discuss with a medical provider.

New investigations has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.

The large-scale investigation, published on the 21st of October, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial eight weeks of starting therapy.

These researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly prescribed to treat depression. Although not everyone experiences side effects, several of the most common observed in the study were changes in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed striking disparities across depression treatments. For instance, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users added nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, significant changes in heart function: one antidepressant often would slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM among the two drugs. BP varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen between one drug and another medication.

Depression Drug Side Effects Include a Broad Array

Healthcare specialists commented that the research's findings are not considered novel or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressants vary in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic measures," a professional commented.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the thorough, comparative assessment of these disparities throughout a broad spectrum of physiological parameters employing information from more than 58,000 participants," this professional added.

This investigation delivers robust proof of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

  • digestive issues (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
  • intimacy issues (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
  • weight changes (addition or decrease, depending on the drug)
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
  • oral dehydration, moisture, headache

At the same time, rarer but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to note here is that there are multiple distinct types of antidepressants, which result in the distinct adverse drug reactions," another professional stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient distinctly, and unwanted reactions can vary according to the specific pharmaceutical, amount, and patient considerations including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although some adverse reactions, including variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably common and commonly improve over time, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Serious Adverse Reactions

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may differ in severity, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"An modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient suffers persistent or unacceptable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive care," one expert stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for example high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may furthermore think about consulting with your physician concerning any absence of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety-related signs after an sufficient testing period. An adequate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.

Patient inclination is furthermore important. Some people may choose to avoid specific adverse reactions, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Jennifer Diaz
Jennifer Diaz

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for uncovering emerging trends and sharing actionable insights.