Antidepressant Side Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Depending on Medication
- An extensive recent study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants range significantly by drug.
- Some drugs caused decreased mass, whereas other medications led to increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure also varied significantly between medications.
- Those experiencing continuing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions should discuss with a medical provider.
Latest research has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.
This large-scale investigation, released on October 21, examined the effect of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 participants within the beginning 60 days of starting medication.
These scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically employed to treat clinical depression. While not every patient encounters unwanted effects, several of the most frequent recorded in the investigation were variations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.
There were significant differences among depression treatments. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of one medication was associated with an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients added nearly 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.
Additionally, marked variations in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease pulse rate, while another medication elevated it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM across the both treatments. Blood pressure differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation observed between nortriptyline and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Comprise a Extensive Range
Medical experts noted that the investigation's conclusions are not novel or surprising to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," a professional commented.
"However, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparative quantification of these differences across a broad array of bodily measurements employing data from more than 58,000 participants," this expert noted.
The investigation delivers strong evidence of the extent of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may include:
- stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, blockage)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, based on the agent)
- rest issues (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, perspiration, head pain
At the same time, less common but medically important side effects may include:
- rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced blood sodium (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- liver enzyme elevations
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and certain tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or indifference
"One thing to remember here is that there are several varying types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct adverse drug effects," another specialist stated.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient differently, and negative effects can differ according to the exact medication, dosage, and patient factors such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."
While some unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are quite typical and frequently enhance over time, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.
Talk with Your Physician Regarding Serious Side Effects
Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in seriousness, which could warrant a modification in your treatment.
"A change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person suffers continuing or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," one expert stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current medication, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."
You may additionally consider talking with your physician concerning any absence of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety symptoms after an adequate evaluation duration. An sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dosage.
Patient choice is also important. Certain people may choose to avoid particular unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
