Depression Drug Side Effects Including Weight, BP Fluctuations Range Depending on Medication

• A large new investigation determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary substantially by drug.
• Some drugs caused decreased mass, whereas different drugs resulted in weight gain.
• Pulse rate and BP also varied significantly between drugs.
• Those encountering continuing, serious, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to consult a medical provider.

Recent investigations has found that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

This large-scale investigation, released on October 21st, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first two months of starting therapy.

These investigators studied 151 investigations of 30 medications typically used to treat depression. While not all individuals develops adverse reactions, several of the most frequent recorded in the study were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking differences across depression treatments. For example, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was connected with an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals increased close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, notable variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would decrease heart rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. BP fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted between one drug and another medication.

Healthcare experts noted that the investigation's conclusions are not new or unexpected to mental health professionals.

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

"However, what is significant about this research is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these differences across a wide spectrum of physiological parameters employing information from more than 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.

The study provides strong support of the degree of side effects, some of which are more common than different reactions. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (increase or decrease, according to the drug)
• sleep problems (insomnia or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, migraine

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

• increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc lengthening (risk of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to remember in this context is that there are multiple distinct types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different negative medication effects," another expert stated.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each person distinctly, and negative effects can vary according to the exact medication, dose, and personal elements such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although some side effects, including changes in rest, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly frequent and commonly enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less common or continuing.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could warrant a change in your treatment.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be necessary if the individual suffers ongoing or unbearable side effects that don't get better with duration or management strategies," a expert commented.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the present drug, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable weight gain."

You may also contemplate speaking with your physician regarding any deficiency of meaningful enhancement in low mood or anxiety indicators after an adequate trial period. The appropriate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Personal choice is also important. Some patients may choose to avoid specific side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition