Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Based on Pharmaceutical

New research provides strong findings of the broad array of antidepressant medication adverse reactions.
  • A extensive new investigation determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
  • Certain pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, while other medications caused weight gain.
  • Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally diverged markedly among treatments.
  • Patients encountering persistent, serious, or worrisome adverse reactions should discuss with a physician.

Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than previously thought.

This large-scale study, published on October 21st, examined the influence of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the beginning two months of starting therapy.

These researchers studied 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly employed to manage clinical depression. Although not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, several of the most frequent recorded in the study were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed striking differences between depression treatments. For example, an eight-week regimen of one medication was connected with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline individuals added almost 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, significant changes in heart function: one antidepressant tended to reduce heart rate, whereas nortriptyline raised it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute among the two medications. BP fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen between nortriptyline and another medication.

Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Encompass a Broad Spectrum

Medical experts observed that the study's findings are not novel or surprising to mental health professionals.

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

"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this study is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these disparities throughout a wide range of physiological parameters using findings from more than 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.

This study delivers robust proof of the magnitude of unwanted effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:

  • digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
  • intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • body weight fluctuations (gain or decrease, depending on the agent)
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
  • dry mouth, moisture, head pain

At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

  • rises in BP or pulse rate (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
  • hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval extension (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"One thing to remember here is that there are various different types of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct negative medication reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can impact each person distinctly, and adverse reactions can differ according to the particular drug, amount, and individual considerations like body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain unwanted effects, like changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and commonly improve over time, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Speak with Your Doctor Regarding Severe Adverse Reactions

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in intensity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual suffers continuing or intolerable adverse reactions that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," one professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the existing treatment, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally contemplate talking with your doctor regarding any absence of substantial progress in low mood or worry signs following an appropriate trial period. An adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Personal choice is also crucial. Certain people may want to avoid specific adverse reactions, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Michelle Howard
Michelle Howard

An Italian chef and food writer passionate about sharing traditional recipes and modern twists on classic dishes.