Antidepressant Side Effects Including Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• An comprehensive recent study found that the side effects of antidepressants range considerably by drug.
• Some pharmaceuticals led to reduced body weight, whereas different drugs caused added mass.
• Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore diverged significantly across drugs.
• Individuals suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning unwanted effects ought to speak with a physician.

Latest research has found that antidepressant medication side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This extensive study, released on October 21, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of commencing therapy.

These investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to treat depression. While not every patient develops adverse reactions, certain of the most common recorded in the research were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable variations among antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was linked to an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients gained nearly 2 kg in the identical timeframe.

There were also, significant fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease pulse rate, while another medication elevated it, producing a gap of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. BP fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg difference noted across one drug and doxepin.

Medical specialists observed that the investigation's findings aren't novel or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that various antidepressant medications vary in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," one expert explained.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this research is the rigorous, comparison-based assessment of these differences across a broad array of physiological parameters using findings from more than 58,000 subjects," the professional noted.

This investigation delivers robust proof of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant unwanted effects may include:

• stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, blockage)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (addition or reduction, depending on the drug)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleepiness)
• oral dehydration, sweating, headache

Additionally, less common but clinically significant side effects may include:

• rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• liver enzyme elevations
• Corrected QT interval extension (chance of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or lack of interest

"An important point to note in this context is that there are several different types of antidepressants, which result in the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," another professional explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can impact every individual differently, and adverse side effects can differ according to the specific drug, dosage, and personal considerations like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although several unwanted effects, such as fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are fairly common and often improve with time, others may be less common or longer-lasting.

Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may range in intensity, which could warrant a modification in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," one expert stated.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."

Patients may furthermore think about talking with your physician about any deficiency of substantial improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators following an sufficient trial period. An appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dose.

Personal choice is furthermore important. Some people may want to avoid particular adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition