Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, BP Changes Vary Depending on Medication
- An large recent investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, while others led to added mass.
- Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also varied notably across drugs.
- Patients encountering continuing, severe, or troubling side effects ought to speak with a healthcare professional.
Latest studies has found that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than once assumed.
The extensive research, released on October 21, assessed the effect of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the first two months of starting treatment.
These investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly employed to manage clinical depression. While not every patient develops unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the research were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.
The study revealed notable differences among antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week course of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients increased close to 2 kg in the identical duration.
Additionally, significant fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, causing a difference of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the two medications. BP differed too, with an 11 mmHg difference observed across nortriptyline and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Comprise a Wide Range
Medical specialists observed that the study's findings aren't novel or surprising to psychiatric specialists.
"We've long known that various antidepressants range in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a expert commented.
"Nonetheless, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparative measurement of these variations across a extensive array of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 subjects," this specialist added.
The investigation delivers strong support of the degree of unwanted effects, several of which are more prevalent than others. Typical depression drug side effects may include:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
- weight changes (addition or reduction, based on the agent)
- sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
- oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine
Additionally, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:
- rises in BP or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
- diminished feelings or apathy
"An important point to remember in this context is that there are several varying types of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct unwanted medication effects," another expert explained.
"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual differently, and adverse reactions can vary based on the particular pharmaceutical, dosage, and individual elements like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."
Although several unwanted effects, including changes in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and often improve with time, others may be less frequent or longer-lasting.
Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Serious Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may vary in seriousness, which could require a change in your treatment.
"An modification in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person suffers ongoing or unbearable side effects that do not improve with time or management strategies," a specialist commented.
"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the existing treatment, for instance high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."
Patients may also think about talking with your physician about any lack of significant improvement in depressive or anxiety-related indicators following an sufficient testing period. The appropriate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.
Individual inclination is furthermore important. Certain people may prefer to avoid certain adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
