Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, BP Changes Vary by Drug

• A large new research found that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ substantially by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals resulted in reduced body weight, while other medications resulted in added mass.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also diverged significantly across medications.
• Those suffering from persistent, intense, or troubling side effects should consult a medical provider.

Recent research has found that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than earlier believed.

This comprehensive study, released on October 21, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of starting therapy.

The scientists examined 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently used to treat depression. While not everyone develops unwanted effects, several of the most common noted in the study were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable variations between antidepressant drugs. For example, an two-month treatment period of one medication was linked to an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals gained close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, notable fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce pulse rate, in contrast another medication increased it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. Blood pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted among one drug and doxepin.

Healthcare experts noted that the study's results are not considered novel or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different depression drugs vary in their effects on weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," one professional commented.

"However, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these differences throughout a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements employing data from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this professional added.

The study delivers comprehensive support of the magnitude of unwanted effects, certain of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may include:

• digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, depending on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, sweating, migraine

Meanwhile, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may include:

• increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to remember here is that there are several different categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the varying negative medication reactions," a different expert stated.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can affect each patient differently, and unwanted reactions can differ according to the specific medication, amount, and individual considerations such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although several adverse reactions, like variations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are quite common and frequently get better over time, others may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could warrant a change in your drug.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be necessary if the person encounters ongoing or intolerable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," a professional commented.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the current drug, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."

You may additionally think about talking with your doctor about any lack of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an sufficient testing period. The appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Individual inclination is additionally significant. Some patients may prefer to avoid certain unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition