Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Like Weight, BP Changes Vary Depending on Medication

Latest study offers comprehensive findings of the wide range of depression treatment adverse reactions.
  • A extensive latest investigation discovered that the side effects of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
  • Certain drugs led to decreased mass, whereas others caused increased body weight.
  • Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore differed markedly across treatments.
  • Individuals suffering from persistent, severe, or troubling unwanted effects ought to discuss with a physician.

Recent studies has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

This large-scale research, issued on the 21st of October, analyzed the effect of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 subjects within the initial eight weeks of starting treatment.

These investigators studied 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly prescribed to treat depression. Although not everyone develops side effects, some of the most common noted in the research were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed striking differences among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month treatment period of one medication was linked to an average decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users added nearly 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, notable fluctuations in heart function: one antidepressant tended to reduce heart rate, while another medication raised it, causing a difference of around 21 heartbeats per minute among the two medications. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation noted among one drug and another medication.

Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Encompass a Wide Range

Medical experts noted that the study's results are not considered new or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressants differ in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic measures," one specialist explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the thorough, relative assessment of these disparities throughout a wide array of physiological parameters employing findings from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional added.

This study offers comprehensive proof of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
  • sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (addition or reduction, according to the medication)
  • rest issues (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
  • dry mouth, perspiration, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:

  • elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
  • hyponatremia (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced emotions or indifference

"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are various varying types of antidepressant medications, which result in the different negative medication reactions," a different professional commented.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence every individual distinctly, and negative reactions can range depending on the specific pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual factors including metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

While some side effects, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite typical and commonly improve as time passes, other effects may be less typical or more persistent.

Talk with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Serious Side Effects

Depression drug side effects may vary in severity, which could justify a modification in your drug.

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person experiences persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, for example high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may also consider consulting with your physician regarding any deficiency of meaningful progress in depressive or worry symptoms after an sufficient evaluation duration. The adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dosage.

Personal choice is furthermore important. Certain people may choose to prevent particular unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Katherine Simon
Katherine Simon

Music aficionado and vinyl collector with a passion for uncovering rare finds and sharing expert tips on building a unique music library.