Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Like Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive new investigation found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary considerably by drug.
• Certain medications led to reduced body weight, while different drugs caused weight gain.
• Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore diverged markedly across drugs.
• Patients suffering from ongoing, severe, or concerning adverse reactions must speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

This comprehensive investigation, issued on the 21st of October, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the first eight weeks of commencing therapy.

These researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently employed to manage depression. Although not everyone encounters adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent noted in the study were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed notable differences between antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals gained nearly 2 kg in the identical period.

There were also, marked fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine often would slow pulse rate, while another medication raised it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two medications. BP varied too, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted across nortriptyline and another medication.

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

"It has long been understood that various antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic measures," one professional stated.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the thorough, relative measurement of these differences throughout a broad spectrum of bodily measurements using findings from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this specialist noted.

This research offers comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant unwanted effects may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
• sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (gain or loss, according to the medication)
• rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
• mouth dryness, sweating, migraine

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

• rises in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• QTc extension (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
• diminished feelings or apathy

"An important point to remember here is that there are several different categories of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the distinct negative drug effects," a different expert explained.

"Moreover, depression treatments can impact each person differently, and adverse side effects can vary according to the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and patient elements including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

While certain side effects, including fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably common and often improve over time, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.

Depression drug unwanted effects may differ in seriousness, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient encounters persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," one professional stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the existing drug, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable weight gain."

Patients may also consider speaking with your healthcare provider about any lack of significant progress in depression-related or worry signs subsequent to an appropriate trial period. The appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic amount.

Patient inclination is furthermore significant. Certain people may choose to evade particular adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition