Antidepressant Side Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Range Depending on Medication

Recent study offers comprehensive findings of the extensive array of antidepressant medication adverse reactions.
  • An extensive latest investigation determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range substantially by drug.
  • Certain pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, while different drugs led to weight gain.
  • Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore differed significantly across treatments.
  • Individuals suffering from continuing, intense, or concerning side effects ought to discuss with a healthcare professional.

Recent investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The extensive investigation, released on the 21st of October, examined the influence of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of commencing treatment.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to treat clinical depression. While not everyone develops unwanted effects, some of the most common noted in the study were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable variations between depression treatments. For example, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients added close to 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, significant changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, causing a gap of around 21 BPM across the two medications. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed between nortriptyline and another medication.

Depression Drug Side Effects Include a Wide Array

Medical professionals observed that the research's results are not recent or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that different antidepressants range in their influences on weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," a expert explained.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparative measurement of these disparities throughout a broad array of physical indicators using information from more than 58,000 participants," the expert noted.

This research delivers strong support of the degree of side effects, some of which are more common than others. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may comprise:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
  • body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, based on the drug)
  • sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
  • dry mouth, moisture, head pain

Additionally, rarer but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:

  • elevations in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
  • hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
  • emotional blunting or indifference

"An important point to consider in this context is that there are several varying types of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct unwanted medication reactions," another specialist commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect every individual variably, and unwanted effects can vary depending on the specific medication, amount, and patient elements like body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain side effects, such as changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly common and often enhance over time, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Speak with Your Physician Regarding Severe Unwanted Effects

Antidepressant side effects may differ in intensity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"An change in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient experiences persistent or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," one specialist said.

"Additionally, if there is an development of new health problems that may be aggravated by the current drug, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or significant mass addition."

Individuals may furthermore think about talking with your physician regarding any deficiency of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety symptoms after an appropriate trial period. An sufficient testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.

Patient choice is additionally important. Certain people may choose to evade certain unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Christopher Flores
Christopher Flores

A certified wellness expert with over 10 years of experience in spa management and holistic therapies, passionate about promoting health and relaxation.

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