Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Variations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

• A comprehensive recent research found that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
• Some drugs led to weight loss, while other medications caused increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and BP furthermore differed markedly among medications.
• Those encountering continuing, severe, or troubling unwanted effects must consult a physician.

Recent research has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The large-scale study, released on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of beginning therapy.

The scientists examined 151 studies of 30 medications frequently employed to address major depression. While not all individuals develops unwanted effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable differences across antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients added close to 2 kg in the identical period.

Additionally, significant variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease heart rate, whereas another medication increased it, causing a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute among the two medications. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Healthcare professionals observed that the research's results are not considered new or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants vary in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one expert explained.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, comparison-based quantification of these disparities throughout a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements using findings from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the specialist noted.

The study delivers strong support of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, blockage)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or loss, depending on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, headache

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

• elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to remember in this context is that there are several distinct types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," a different expert commented.

"Moreover, depression treatments can impact every individual differently, and unwanted side effects can range depending on the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient considerations including body chemistry or comorbidities."

While certain unwanted effects, like fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably typical and frequently get better as time passes, others may be less typical or continuing.

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

"An modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the individual encounters continuing or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," a specialist stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the present drug, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant weight gain."

Individuals may also contemplate speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any absence of meaningful progress in low mood or worry symptoms following an sufficient testing period. An sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks at a effective amount.

Personal preference is also crucial. Certain individuals may want to prevent certain unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition