Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Depending on Medication
- An extensive latest study found that the unwanted effects of antidepressants differ substantially by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while other medications led to increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure additionally diverged notably among drugs.
- Patients encountering persistent, severe, or troubling unwanted effects must discuss with a physician.
New studies has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.
The comprehensive study, released on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of starting medication.
These investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to treat major depression. Although not all individuals encounters side effects, certain of the most prevalent observed in the research were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.
Researchers observed striking differences among antidepressant medications. For example, an eight-week course of one medication was connected with an average weight loss of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug patients gained nearly 2 kg in the equivalent period.
There were also, marked changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to slow cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline increased it, causing a gap of about 21 BPM among the both treatments. Blood pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg difference seen among nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Include a Extensive Spectrum
Clinical specialists observed that the research's results aren't recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.
"It has long been understood that different depression drugs vary in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic parameters," a professional stated.
"However, what is significant about this research is the rigorous, comparison-based measurement of these disparities among a broad spectrum of physiological parameters using information from over 58,000 subjects," the professional added.
The research delivers robust proof of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more frequent than others. Typical antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, loose stools, irregularity)
- intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
- mass variations (increase or decrease, depending on the medication)
- sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
- oral dehydration, sweating, migraine
At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may encompass:
- increases in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
- low sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or lack of interest
"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct categories of antidepressants, which lead to the different adverse pharmaceutical reactions," another professional commented.
"Moreover, depression treatments can influence each person differently, and unwanted reactions can differ depending on the particular medication, amount, and individual considerations such as metabolic rate or comorbidities."
While some adverse reactions, like variations in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably common and frequently improve with time, others may be less common or continuing.
Speak with Your Healthcare Provider About Intense Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could justify a change in your treatment.
"A change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person experiences persistent or unacceptable side effects that don't get better with duration or supportive care," a expert stated.
"Moreover, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the present drug, for example high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable weight gain."
You may also consider talking with your doctor regarding any lack of meaningful improvement in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms after an sufficient evaluation duration. The appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dose.
Patient choice is also crucial. Some people may prefer to avoid specific unwanted effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
