Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary by Drug
- A comprehensive recent investigation found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary substantially by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals led to reduced body weight, whereas different drugs led to increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure furthermore varied notably between drugs.
- Patients suffering from continuing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects ought to speak with a medical provider.
Latest investigations has found that antidepressant side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.
The large-scale research, released on the 21st of October, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the first two months of beginning medication.
The scientists studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs typically prescribed to manage major depression. Although not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, some of the most common observed in the study were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
Researchers observed significant variations between antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month treatment period of one medication was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals increased nearly 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
There were also, significant fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would slow pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it, creating a gap of about 21 beats per minute across the two medications. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg difference noted among one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Encompass a Broad Range
Healthcare professionals observed that the study's findings aren't new or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.
"It has long been understood that various antidepressant medications differ in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic parameters," a specialist commented.
"Nonetheless, what is significant about this research is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these disparities across a extensive array of physical indicators employing findings from more than 58,000 participants," the specialist noted.
This research delivers robust proof of the extent of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:
- stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or reduction, based on the medication)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
- dry mouth, sweating, headache
At the same time, rarer but medically important unwanted effects may encompass:
- rises in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- emotional blunting or indifference
"A key factor to note here is that there are various varying classes of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the varying unwanted drug effects," another specialist commented.
"Moreover, depression treatments can influence each person variably, and unwanted effects can range according to the specific drug, dosage, and personal factors like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."
Although certain unwanted effects, like changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and frequently enhance over time, other effects may be less common or more persistent.
Speak with Your Physician Concerning Severe Unwanted Effects
Depression drug side effects may vary in severity, which could justify a modification in your drug.
"A modification in antidepressant may be warranted if the person encounters continuing or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," one expert stated.
"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be worsened by the present drug, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."
Individuals may also contemplate talking with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of significant progress in low mood or worry indicators subsequent to an appropriate testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.
Personal choice is furthermore crucial. Some people may prefer to evade certain adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
