Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Changes Vary Depending on Medication
- An comprehensive latest study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
- Some drugs led to reduced body weight, while others led to added mass.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure also diverged notably between drugs.
- Patients experiencing continuing, severe, or worrisome adverse reactions should discuss with a medical provider.
New research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.
This comprehensive study, released on the 21st of October, assessed the influence of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of commencing medication.
The scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications typically used to address clinical depression. Although not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent recorded in the study were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
There were striking differences across antidepressant medications. For example, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an average reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.
Additionally, notable variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication elevated it, producing a difference of about 21 BPM across the both treatments. Blood pressure differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed across one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Comprise a Broad Array
Medical experts commented that the research's results are not recent or startling to psychiatrists.
"We've long known that different depression drugs differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," a specialist stated.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based assessment of these disparities among a extensive array of physical indicators using data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this expert added.
This study delivers comprehensive support of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent antidepressant side effects may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, loose stools, irregularity)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (gain or loss, according to the agent)
- sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, moisture, head pain
Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important unwanted effects may include:
- increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or lack of interest
"A key factor to note regarding this matter is that there are several different types of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying negative pharmaceutical reactions," another specialist commented.
"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual distinctly, and negative effects can vary according to the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual considerations like metabolism or comorbidities."
Although several side effects, like fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are quite typical and frequently get better with time, others may be less typical or more persistent.
Talk with Your Doctor Concerning Severe Unwanted Effects
Depression drug adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could warrant a change in your drug.
"An change in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient encounters continuing or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with time or supportive measures," one specialist stated.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new medical conditions that may be worsened by the current treatment, for example elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant increased body weight."
You may also think about speaking with your doctor about any lack of meaningful progress in depression-related or worry symptoms following an appropriate testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.
Individual inclination is furthermore crucial. Certain patients may choose to avoid specific unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition