Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ Depending on Medication

Recent research delivers robust findings of the extensive range of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • A extensive latest research determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
  • Some drugs caused decreased mass, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore varied significantly between drugs.
  • Patients encountering continuing, serious, or troubling unwanted effects must discuss with a medical provider.

New research has found that depression drug side effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This large-scale study, released on the 21st of October, analyzed the effect of depression treatments on over 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of starting therapy.

These scientists examined 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to treat clinical depression. While not everyone experiences unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent observed in the study were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant disparities between antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was connected with an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users added almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

There were also, significant changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would decrease pulse rate, whereas another medication elevated it, causing a difference of around 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed between one drug and another medication.

Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Encompass a Extensive Array

Medical specialists observed that the investigation's findings aren't recent or startling to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressant medications differ in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," one expert stated.

"However, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative measurement of these variations throughout a broad array of physical indicators employing findings from more than 58,000 individuals," the specialist commented.

This study provides robust evidence of the degree of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may include:

  • stomach problems (queasiness, bowel issues, blockage)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
  • body weight fluctuations (increase or loss, based on the agent)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
  • oral dehydration, moisture, headache

At the same time, less frequent but medically important side effects may encompass:

  • increases in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
  • low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to remember in this context is that there are multiple different categories of antidepressant medications, which result in the different negative medication reactions," a different specialist explained.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can affect each person distinctly, and unwanted reactions can differ based on the particular medication, amount, and personal factors such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although some unwanted effects, including fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably typical and often enhance with time, others may be less typical or continuing.

Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Severe Side Effects

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"A modification in depression drug may be necessary if the patient suffers persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," one expert commented.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current drug, for example high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable increased body weight."

You may also consider talking with your healthcare provider about any lack of meaningful improvement in depression-related or worry signs after an sufficient testing period. The sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a effective amount.

Patient inclination is also important. Certain individuals may want to prevent specific unwanted effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Susan French
Susan French

An experienced journalist with a passion for investigative reporting and a focus on Central European affairs.