Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive recent research discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
• Some drugs caused decreased mass, whereas different drugs led to increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and BP furthermore varied markedly between treatments.
• Those encountering continuing, serious, or troubling side effects ought to discuss with a healthcare professional.

Recent studies has revealed that depression drug adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.

This comprehensive study, published on October 21st, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of starting medication.

These researchers examined 151 studies of 30 medications frequently prescribed to treat major depression. While not everyone encounters adverse reactions, some of the most prevalent noted in the study were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant differences between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was linked to an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users added nearly 2 kg in the identical period.

Additionally, significant changes in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to reduce heart rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, creating a gap of around 21 BPM among the two medications. Arterial pressure differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted across one drug and another medication.

Healthcare professionals noted that the investigation's conclusions are not recent or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants vary in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic measures," one specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these disparities throughout a broad spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from more than 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.

This study delivers robust evidence of the magnitude of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may include:

• digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (increase or decrease, according to the agent)
• sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

At the same time, rarer but medically important unwanted effects may comprise:

• increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to remember here is that there are multiple varying categories of antidepressants, which result in the varying negative medication effects," a different expert explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient distinctly, and negative reactions can range according to the particular medication, dosage, and personal factors including body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

Although several unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are fairly typical and commonly improve as time passes, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in seriousness, which could require a modification in your medication.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the individual encounters continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," one specialist said.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or substantial weight gain."

Patients may furthermore think about consulting with your doctor regarding any deficiency of substantial progress in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators following an sufficient evaluation duration. The sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Personal preference is additionally significant. Some individuals may choose to avoid particular unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition