Depression Drug Side Effects Like Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range Depending on Medication

Recent study provides comprehensive evidence of the wide spectrum of antidepressant side effects.
  • An comprehensive latest research found that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications vary considerably by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while others led to increased body weight.
  • Cardiac rhythm and BP also differed notably between medications.
  • Individuals experiencing persistent, serious, or concerning unwanted effects must consult a medical provider.

Latest investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication side effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The comprehensive study, issued on October 21, examined the influence of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the initial two months of beginning medication.

These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to treat major depression. Although not all individuals encounters side effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

The study revealed significant variations among antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline users added almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, significant variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to reduce pulse rate, whereas another medication increased it, producing a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute among the two drugs. BP differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation noted between one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Encompass a Wide Array

Clinical specialists noted that the investigation's conclusions are not considered recent or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic measures," one specialist commented.

"However, what is remarkable about this research is the comprehensive, relative quantification of these disparities among a wide spectrum of physiological parameters using data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this expert added.

This study offers comprehensive evidence of the magnitude of unwanted effects, certain of which are more common than different reactions. Common antidepressant side effects may encompass:

  • stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
  • intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
  • mass variations (addition or reduction, based on the medication)
  • rest issues (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
  • oral dehydration, sweating, migraine

At the same time, less frequent but clinically significant side effects may include:

  • rises in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
  • low sodium (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or lack of interest

"One thing to remember regarding this matter is that there are various varying types of depression drugs, which result in the distinct unwanted medication side effects," another specialist explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can impact every individual differently, and adverse side effects can vary according to the specific medication, dose, and patient factors like metabolic rate or comorbidities."

Although several adverse reactions, including changes in sleep, appetite, or vitality, are quite frequent and often get better as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or continuing.

Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Serious Side Effects

Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.

"An adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the patient encounters persistent or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a professional said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recently developed medical conditions that may be aggravated by the present treatment, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or considerable increased body weight."

Patients may also contemplate speaking with your physician about any lack of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety symptoms after an appropriate trial period. An appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Individual inclination is additionally significant. Some individuals may want to evade certain adverse reactions, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Courtney Sanchez
Courtney Sanchez

Digital marketing strategist with over 10 years of experience in helping businesses scale through data-driven insights.