Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Range Based on Pharmaceutical
- An extensive recent study discovered that the side effects of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
- Certain drugs led to weight loss, whereas others resulted in added mass.
- Cardiac rhythm and BP additionally diverged markedly among drugs.
- Patients encountering persistent, severe, or worrisome adverse reactions ought to speak with a medical provider.
Recent studies has found that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than earlier believed.
The extensive investigation, issued on October 21, assessed the influence of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of starting therapy.
These researchers studied 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently used to address depression. While not all individuals encounters side effects, some of the most common observed in the research were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed significant disparities between antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month course of one medication was connected with an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals added nearly 2 kg in the equivalent period.
Furthermore, notable changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to decrease heart rate, while another medication increased it, causing a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute among the two drugs. Blood pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg variation noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Encompass a Broad Range
Clinical professionals commented that the research's findings are not considered recent or surprising to mental health professionals.
"We've long known that different antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," a expert stated.
"However, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these variations among a wide array of physiological parameters employing data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.
The study delivers robust proof of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more common than others. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:
- stomach problems (nausea, bowel issues, constipation)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, based on the agent)
- sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine
Meanwhile, rarer but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:
- rises in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or lack of interest
"One thing to consider in this context is that there are several different classes of depression drugs, which lead to the distinct adverse medication side effects," another specialist stated.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each person differently, and adverse effects can differ depending on the specific pharmaceutical, amount, and individual considerations including body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."
While certain side effects, like variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly typical and often improve as time passes, others may be less typical or continuing.
Speak with Your Doctor Regarding Severe Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant side effects may vary in severity, which could require a change in your drug.
"An adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient encounters persistent or unacceptable side effects that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," a expert said.
"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be worsened by the current medication, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."
Patients may furthermore think about talking with your doctor regarding any deficiency of substantial improvement in depressive or worry signs following an sufficient testing period. An adequate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.
Individual inclination is also crucial. Certain patients may choose to prevent certain adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
