Depression Drug Side Effects Like Body Weight, BP Changes Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

Recent research delivers comprehensive proof of the broad array of antidepressant medication adverse reactions.
  • An comprehensive new investigation determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary significantly by drug.
  • Certain drugs caused reduced body weight, while others led to added mass.
  • Pulse rate and BP additionally diverged significantly between treatments.
  • Patients suffering from continuing, serious, or concerning unwanted effects must consult a physician.

Recent investigations has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more varied than once assumed.

This large-scale study, released on October 21, assessed the influence of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of starting medication.

The researchers analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications frequently prescribed to treat depression. Although not all individuals experiences side effects, several of the most prevalent observed in the research were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed notable variations among depression treatments. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals increased almost 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, marked fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease pulse rate, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, producing a disparity of about 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. Blood pressure varied as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Comprise a Wide Spectrum

Medical specialists commented that the investigation's findings are not recent or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressants vary in their influences on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic measures," one expert commented.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the thorough, comparison-based assessment of these variations across a wide array of physiological parameters utilizing findings from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the professional added.

This investigation provides strong support of the degree of side effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Common depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

  • digestive issues (queasiness, loose stools, blockage)
  • intimacy issues (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • weight changes (gain or reduction, based on the medication)
  • sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
  • mouth dryness, moisture, migraine

Meanwhile, less frequent but medically important side effects may include:

  • rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc extension (risk of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"A key factor to note in this context is that there are several distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying negative medication reactions," a different expert stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence each patient variably, and negative reactions can range depending on the specific drug, dosage, and individual considerations including metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although some unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite frequent and often enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Speak with Your Physician About Serious Adverse Reactions

Depression drug side effects may range in severity, which could warrant a change in your treatment.

"A change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person experiences ongoing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," one specialist said.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the current treatment, for example hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."

Individuals may also think about speaking with your doctor regarding any lack of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety-related indicators subsequent to an adequate trial period. The appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic dose.

Personal preference is furthermore crucial. Some people may prefer to evade specific unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Kelli Murphy
Kelli Murphy

A passionate historian and science enthusiast with a knack for storytelling and uncovering hidden truths.