Antidepressant Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Variations Differ by Drug
- An large latest study discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals led to weight loss, whereas other medications caused weight gain.
- Heart rate and blood pressure additionally differed markedly across drugs.
- Patients suffering from ongoing, intense, or concerning adverse reactions ought to speak with a healthcare professional.
Latest research has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.
This large-scale study, issued on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant medications on more than 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of beginning medication.
These scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications commonly employed to treat clinical depression. Although not every patient experiences side effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed notable variations across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day regimen of one medication was connected with an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline individuals increased almost 2 kg in the same period.
Additionally, significant variations in heart function: fluvoxamine often would decrease heart rate, while nortriptyline increased it, creating a disparity of around 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. BP differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation noted across nortriptyline and doxepin.
Depression Drug Side Effects Comprise a Extensive Range
Clinical professionals noted that the research's results are not considered new or surprising to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that various antidepressant medications range in their influences on weight, BP, and further metabolic measures," a professional explained.
"However, what is significant about this study is the thorough, comparative quantification of these disparities across a wide array of bodily measurements using data from over 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.
The research provides robust evidence of the degree of side effects, some of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may include:
- stomach problems (queasiness, bowel issues, irregularity)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, according to the agent)
- sleep problems (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
- mouth dryness, perspiration, headache
Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important side effects may comprise:
- increases in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- low sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- liver enzyme elevations
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or lack of interest
"One thing to note in this context is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the different unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," a different expert explained.
"Additionally, depression treatments can affect each patient distinctly, and unwanted effects can range depending on the exact pharmaceutical, amount, and individual considerations including metabolic rate or comorbidities."
Although some side effects, including fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are quite frequent and often get better over time, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.
Speak with Your Physician Regarding Severe Side Effects
Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could require a change in your treatment.
"A adjustment in antidepressant may be warranted if the patient encounters persistent or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," one expert commented.
"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present drug, such as elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or substantial increased body weight."
Individuals may furthermore contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider about any lack of substantial improvement in low mood or worry signs subsequent to an sufficient testing period. An adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a effective dose.
Individual preference is also crucial. Certain people may prefer to prevent particular adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
