Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug
- An large recent research discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
- Certain medications resulted in weight loss, while others led to added mass.
- Pulse rate and BP additionally varied notably between drugs.
- Those experiencing continuing, intense, or troubling side effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.
Latest studies has discovered that depression drug adverse reactions may be more extensive than previously thought.
The extensive study, published on the 21st of October, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of beginning therapy.
The investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 medications typically employed to address major depression. Although not all individuals encounters adverse reactions, several of the most frequent recorded in the investigation were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed notable differences between depression treatments. For example, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals increased nearly 2 kg in the identical duration.
Furthermore, notable changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to slow heart rate, while another medication elevated it, causing a disparity of about 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg difference seen across one drug and doxepin.
Antidepressant Side Effects Include a Broad Spectrum
Medical specialists commented that the investigation's results are not recent or surprising to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that various antidepressant medications range in their influences on body weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," one specialist commented.
"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparative quantification of these differences among a broad array of physical indicators using data from more than 58,000 individuals," this specialist added.
This research offers comprehensive proof of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more frequent than others. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
- sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (gain or loss, depending on the drug)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
- oral dehydration, sweating, migraine
At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may comprise:
- elevations in BP or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc prolongation (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
- diminished feelings or indifference
"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are several varying classes of depression drugs, which lead to the different negative drug reactions," another specialist stated.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each patient variably, and adverse effects can range according to the exact medication, dosage, and individual considerations including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."
While some side effects, such as fluctuations in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are quite common and commonly get better with time, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.
Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Intense Unwanted Effects
Depression drug adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could warrant a modification in your medication.
"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the person suffers ongoing or intolerable side effects that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," a specialist said.
"Moreover, if there is an development of new medical issues that may be aggravated by the current medication, for example high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable weight gain."
Individuals may also consider talking with your doctor concerning any deficiency of significant enhancement in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators following an adequate trial period. The adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.
Personal inclination is furthermore significant. Certain patients may prefer to evade specific adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
