Depression Drug Side Effects Like Weight, BP Variations Range Based on Pharmaceutical

New research provides robust findings of the extensive spectrum of depression treatment side effects.
  • A comprehensive latest investigation determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants differ significantly by drug.
  • Some medications caused weight loss, while other medications caused weight gain.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure also varied notably across drugs.
  • Patients experiencing persistent, severe, or concerning unwanted effects ought to consult a physician.

Latest research has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

The large-scale investigation, published on the 21st of October, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 participants within the first eight weeks of beginning medication.

These researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly employed to treat clinical depression. While not everyone experiences side effects, several of the most common observed in the investigation were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant disparities among antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week regimen of one medication was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users gained almost 2 kg in the identical duration.

Additionally, marked fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication elevated it, producing a difference of about 21 BPM between the both treatments. BP varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen among nortriptyline and another medication.

Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Comprise a Broad Range

Healthcare professionals commented that the investigation's findings are not novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," a expert stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the comprehensive, comparative quantification of these differences throughout a wide spectrum of physiological parameters employing findings from over 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.

This research provides strong proof of the degree of side effects, several of which are more frequent than others. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may encompass:

  • digestive issues (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
  • sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (gain or loss, depending on the drug)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
  • mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

Meanwhile, less frequent but clinically significant unwanted effects may encompass:

  • rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • diminished feelings or apathy

"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are various distinct types of antidepressants, which result in the varying adverse medication side effects," a different expert explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can impact each patient variably, and unwanted effects can vary according to the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal factors like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although some unwanted effects, such as variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably common and frequently improve over time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.

Speak with Your Doctor About Serious Side Effects

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

"A change in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient experiences continuing or unacceptable adverse reactions that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," one expert stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical conditions that may be aggravated by the present drug, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."

Individuals may furthermore consider talking with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of significant improvement in depressive or anxiety indicators subsequent to an adequate trial period. The sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.

Patient preference is furthermore crucial. Certain patients may want to avoid specific unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Joshua Henson
Joshua Henson

Tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sharing practical advice and creative solutions.