Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ Depending on Medication

• An comprehensive new study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
• Certain medications led to weight loss, while different drugs caused added mass.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also diverged significantly across treatments.
• Individuals experiencing persistent, serious, or worrisome adverse reactions should consult a physician.

Latest research has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This comprehensive study, released on October 21, assessed the influence of depression treatments on over 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of beginning treatment.

These scientists examined 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to address major depression. While not all individuals develops adverse reactions, certain of the most common observed in the research were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed notable differences among depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was connected with an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug individuals increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Furthermore, notable variations in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to decrease heart rate, whereas another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of around 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen across nortriptyline and another medication.

Healthcare experts commented that the research's conclusions are not novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs differ in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one professional explained.

"However, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, comparison-based assessment of these differences across a broad range of physical indicators using data from over 58,000 subjects," the expert commented.

The research provides strong proof of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:

• stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, blockage)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or reduction, according to the drug)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
• mouth dryness, perspiration, head pain

Additionally, rarer but clinically significant side effects may encompass:

• increases in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"One thing to consider here is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct negative pharmaceutical reactions," another professional stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each person differently, and adverse effects can differ depending on the specific pharmaceutical, dose, and individual considerations like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably common and commonly get better as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"A change in depression drug may be necessary if the patient encounters continuing or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," a professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the present treatment, such as hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable increased body weight."

You may also contemplate speaking with your doctor concerning any absence of meaningful enhancement in low mood or worry symptoms after an appropriate trial period. The adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Individual inclination is also significant. Certain individuals may want to avoid specific side effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition