Antidepressant Side Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Range by Drug

• An extensive recent investigation found that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary considerably by drug.
• Some drugs caused decreased mass, while different drugs resulted in weight gain.
• Heart rate and blood pressure additionally diverged notably across medications.
• Individuals suffering from continuing, serious, or troubling side effects must speak with a medical provider.

New research has discovered that antidepressant side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The extensive research, released on October 21, analyzed the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of beginning treatment.

The researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently used to manage major depression. Although not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent noted in the research were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

There were striking disparities across antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was linked to an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users increased almost 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, significant changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce pulse rate, whereas another medication elevated it, creating a disparity of about 21 heartbeats per minute across the two medications. Arterial pressure differed also, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen between one drug and another medication.

Medical specialists commented that the investigation's conclusions are not considered new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs vary in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," one specialist commented.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative quantification of these differences throughout a wide array of physiological parameters employing information from more than 58,000 participants," this expert noted.

This investigation delivers comprehensive evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common antidepressant side effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
• intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (increase or decrease, depending on the agent)
• rest issues (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but medically important side effects may comprise:

• rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval extension (potential of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and certain tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"A key factor to remember regarding this matter is that there are several varying classes of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the varying adverse drug side effects," another expert explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can impact each person variably, and negative side effects can range based on the specific drug, amount, and individual elements such as metabolism or comorbidities."

Although some unwanted effects, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are fairly typical and commonly improve with time, different reactions may be less frequent or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could justify a change in your drug.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual suffers ongoing or unbearable adverse reactions that don't get better with duration or supportive care," a professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing drug, for example hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial weight gain."

You may also think about talking with your healthcare provider about any lack of substantial enhancement in depression-related or worry symptoms following an adequate testing period. An appropriate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Individual choice is also significant. Certain patients may choose to prevent certain adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition