Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

• A extensive new study discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
• Certain medications caused decreased mass, whereas different drugs resulted in increased body weight.
• Cardiac rhythm and BP also varied notably across drugs.
• Patients encountering continuing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions should speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest studies has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.

The comprehensive research, issued on October 21, analyzed the impact of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of beginning medication.

These investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to manage major depression. While not all individuals develops adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent observed in the research were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant differences among antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month course of agomelatine was associated with an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline users gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, significant variations in heart function: one antidepressant tended to slow pulse rate, while another medication elevated it, causing a disparity of around 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Clinical professionals commented that the study's findings are not considered recent or surprising to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs vary in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one expert commented.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these variations among a broad range of physical indicators employing findings from over 58,000 participants," this specialist noted.

The study delivers robust evidence of the magnitude of adverse reactions, certain of which are more frequent than others. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

• stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, irregularity)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (gain or reduction, depending on the medication)
• rest issues (insomnia or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, sweating, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:

• rises in BP or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are several different categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the different unwanted medication reactions," another professional commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each person distinctly, and negative effects can differ depending on the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient factors including metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

While several adverse reactions, such as changes in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are fairly typical and often improve with time, different reactions may be less common or more persistent.

Depression drug adverse reactions may range in severity, which could require a modification in your medication.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the individual experiences continuing or intolerable adverse reactions that don't get better with passing days or management strategies," a professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of new medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for example elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally consider consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of significant enhancement in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms subsequent to an adequate evaluation duration. The appropriate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks at a effective amount.

Personal inclination is also crucial. Some patients may want to evade particular side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition