Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

Recent research delivers comprehensive findings of the extensive range of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • A comprehensive recent study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
  • Certain drugs led to weight loss, whereas different drugs caused weight gain.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure additionally differed markedly across medications.
  • Patients suffering from continuing, serious, or troubling adverse reactions must speak with a healthcare professional.

New research has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

This comprehensive study, released on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the first 60 days of beginning treatment.

These researchers studied 151 investigations of 30 drugs commonly used to address clinical depression. While not every patient experiences side effects, several of the most frequent recorded in the study were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were notable variations across depression treatments. For example, an two-month course of agomelatine was connected with an typical decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 pounds), while another drug users gained almost 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, significant changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would decrease pulse rate, in contrast another medication elevated it, creating a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two medications. Blood pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted among one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Comprise a Extensive Array

Healthcare experts commented that the investigation's findings are not novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," one professional commented.

"However, what is significant about this study is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these variations among a extensive spectrum of physical indicators using data from more than 58,000 individuals," this expert noted.

This investigation delivers comprehensive evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more common than other effects. Common antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
  • sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (increase or reduction, depending on the medication)
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
  • mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

Additionally, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may encompass:

  • rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • emotional blunting or indifference

"An important point to consider in this context is that there are multiple different classes of depression drugs, which result in the different adverse drug reactions," another specialist explained.

"Additionally, antidepressant medications can impact each person variably, and negative reactions can range according to the particular medication, dose, and personal factors including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite typical and commonly enhance as time passes, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Talk with Your Doctor Regarding Intense Adverse Reactions

Depression drug unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"An modification in depression drug may be warranted if the person experiences ongoing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or management strategies," one professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the existing treatment, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or substantial mass addition."

You may furthermore consider consulting with your physician concerning any absence of substantial improvement in low mood or anxiety indicators after an adequate evaluation duration. The sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment amount.

Personal preference is additionally crucial. Certain patients may choose to evade certain side effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Alyssa Martinez
Alyssa Martinez

A passionate writer and life coach dedicated to helping others unlock their potential through actionable advice and inspiring stories.