Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Changes Differ by Drug

• A large recent investigation found that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary considerably by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals led to weight loss, whereas others caused weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP also varied notably across medications.
• Individuals suffering from persistent, severe, or concerning side effects should discuss with a physician.

Recent studies has found that antidepressant medication side effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

This extensive investigation, issued on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 participants within the first two months of commencing therapy.

These scientists examined 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently prescribed to address clinical depression. While not everyone develops adverse reactions, certain of the most common observed in the research were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed notable disparities between antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day course of agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug users increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent duration.

There were also, significant variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow cardiac rhythm, while another medication increased it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity noted across nortriptyline and another medication.

Medical professionals observed that the investigation's conclusions are not new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs differ in their influences on body weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," one expert commented.

"However, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these variations among a extensive range of bodily measurements utilizing information from over 58,000 participants," the expert noted.

This study offers strong support of the extent of side effects, several of which are more frequent than others. Frequent antidepressant side effects may include:

• digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, blockage)
• intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or reduction, depending on the medication)
• rest issues (insomnia or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

Additionally, less common but medically important side effects may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are various varying categories of antidepressants, which lead to the varying unwanted medication reactions," another specialist commented.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can influence each person distinctly, and negative side effects can vary based on the particular medication, dosage, and personal considerations including metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although some adverse reactions, like fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite frequent and commonly get better as time passes, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in seriousness, which could justify a change in your medication.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the person encounters persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that do not improve with duration or supportive measures," a expert stated.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the current drug, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

Patients may additionally consider talking with your doctor regarding any lack of significant enhancement in depression-related or anxiety indicators after an sufficient testing period. The appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dosage.

Personal inclination is also important. Certain patients may choose to prevent particular side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition