Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Like Body Weight, BP Changes Range Depending on Medication

New research offers strong evidence of the extensive spectrum of depression treatment adverse reactions.
  • An comprehensive latest research determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals resulted in decreased mass, whereas different drugs caused weight gain.
  • Pulse rate and blood pressure also diverged markedly among treatments.
  • Individuals suffering from ongoing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions must speak with a physician.

Recent studies has found that depression drug adverse reactions may be more diverse than once assumed.

This comprehensive research, released on October 21, analyzed the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first two months of starting treatment.

The scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs typically prescribed to address clinical depression. Although not everyone develops adverse reactions, some of the most frequent recorded in the study were fluctuations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed significant differences across antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug individuals added almost 2 kg in the identical duration.

Furthermore, marked variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would decrease pulse rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation observed among one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Include a Wide Spectrum

Clinical experts noted that the research's conclusions are not considered new or startling to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressants differ in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic measures," a specialist commented.

"However, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these variations across a wide range of bodily measurements utilizing information from over 58,000 individuals," this specialist commented.

The study offers comprehensive proof of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent depression drug adverse reactions may include:

  • digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
  • weight changes (gain or reduction, depending on the drug)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
  • dry mouth, moisture, headache

Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:

  • increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
  • emotional blunting or indifference

"An important point to consider here is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressant medications, which result in the distinct adverse drug side effects," a different specialist commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can impact each person variably, and adverse effects can vary depending on the particular pharmaceutical, dose, and individual considerations such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain unwanted effects, like variations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably frequent and frequently enhance with time, other effects may be less frequent or more persistent.

Speak with Your Doctor Concerning Intense Side Effects

Depression drug adverse reactions may differ in seriousness, which could require a change in your treatment.

"A modification in depression drug may be warranted if the individual suffers ongoing or unacceptable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," a professional commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the current treatment, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or significant mass addition."

Individuals may furthermore contemplate talking with your physician about any lack of significant progress in depression-related or anxiety-related symptoms after an adequate testing period. An adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment amount.

Patient preference is additionally crucial. Certain people may choose to prevent particular adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Thomas Cuevas
Thomas Cuevas

An avid outdoor enthusiast and travel writer with a passion for exploring Sardinia's natural landscapes and sharing adventure tips.