Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive latest study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range significantly by drug.
• Some medications caused decreased mass, whereas different drugs caused added mass.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure also varied significantly between medications.
• Those encountering ongoing, intense, or troubling unwanted effects ought to speak with a medical provider.

Recent investigations has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The large-scale research, published on the 21st of October, analyzed the impact of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 participants within the first eight weeks of commencing medication.

These investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals typically used to manage depression. Although not every patient experiences adverse reactions, some of the most frequent recorded in the study were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed notable disparities among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an typical weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals increased close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

Furthermore, marked variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to decrease heart rate, in contrast another medication raised it, creating a gap of around 21 BPM between the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted between one drug and another medication.

Medical professionals observed that the study's conclusions are not new or surprising to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressant medications vary in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic parameters," one professional commented.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this research is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these disparities among a extensive range of physical indicators using data from in excess of 58,000 participants," the professional commented.

The study offers strong proof of the degree of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant adverse reactions may comprise:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, constipation)
• intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, depending on the medication)
• sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, head pain

At the same time, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

• rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or apathy

"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are multiple distinct types of depression drugs, which lead to the different negative pharmaceutical reactions," a different expert explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence every individual differently, and negative effects can vary depending on the particular medication, dose, and individual elements including metabolism or comorbidities."

While some unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are fairly common and commonly enhance as time passes, others may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant side effects may vary in intensity, which could warrant a change in your medication.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient suffers persistent or unacceptable adverse reactions that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," a expert commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be aggravated by the current medication, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable weight gain."

Individuals may also think about talking with your healthcare provider regarding any lack of meaningful progress in low mood or worry indicators following an appropriate testing period. An sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.

Patient preference is also significant. Some people may prefer to prevent particular adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition