Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, BP Changes Vary Depending on Medication

New investigation provides robust evidence of the broad spectrum of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • An extensive recent research discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
  • Certain drugs led to weight loss, while others led to added mass.
  • Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged significantly among drugs.
  • Those encountering continuing, serious, or troubling side effects ought to consult a physician.

Latest studies has found that antidepressant side effects may be more extensive than previously thought.

The comprehensive research, issued on October 21st, assessed the influence of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 individuals within the first two months of starting medication.

The researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications typically prescribed to treat depression. While not every patient develops adverse reactions, some of the most frequent recorded in the study were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed striking variations among depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day course of agomelatine was associated with an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline users gained almost 2 kg in the equivalent period.

There were also, marked changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would reduce pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it, creating a gap of around 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. BP differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed between one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Encompass a Wide Range

Clinical specialists observed that the study's results are not recent or surprising to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," a expert stated.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the thorough, comparative quantification of these differences across a extensive spectrum of physiological parameters using findings from over 58,000 subjects," this professional commented.

This research provides robust support of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, loose stools, constipation)
  • sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (gain or reduction, depending on the medication)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
  • mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine

Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:

  • increases in BP or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
  • reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
  • emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to consider here is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying negative medication effects," a different professional explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence each patient differently, and adverse reactions can vary depending on the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual elements such as metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While certain side effects, like fluctuations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly typical and commonly get better over time, other effects may be less common or continuing.

Speak with Your Physician Regarding Intense Side Effects

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in severity, which could justify a modification in your treatment.

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the person experiences ongoing or unacceptable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," a specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the present medication, for instance high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may furthermore contemplate consulting with your doctor about any absence of meaningful improvement in depression-related or anxiety indicators following an adequate trial period. The sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.

Patient preference is furthermore significant. Some patients may prefer to evade specific adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Joshua Morrison
Joshua Morrison

A tech enthusiast and marketing expert with over a decade of experience in digital analytics and lead management.

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