Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary by Drug
- An comprehensive latest research found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
- Certain medications led to reduced body weight, while other medications led to added mass.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure also differed markedly between medications.
- Those suffering from ongoing, serious, or troubling side effects ought to speak with a healthcare professional.
New research has revealed that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more diverse than once assumed.
This extensive investigation, issued on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the first two months of beginning medication.
These investigators analyzed 151 research projects of 30 medications commonly employed to treat depression. Although not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent noted in the research were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
Researchers observed striking variations across depression treatments. For example, an eight-week regimen of one medication was linked to an average decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals added almost 2 kg in the same duration.
Furthermore, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline increased it, producing a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed between nortriptyline and doxepin.
Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Include a Broad Array
Healthcare experts noted that the study's results aren't new or startling to psychiatrists.
"We've long known that different antidepressants range in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic parameters," one specialist stated.
"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the rigorous, relative measurement of these disparities throughout a wide array of bodily measurements utilizing information from over 58,000 participants," the specialist commented.
The investigation provides strong support of the extent of side effects, several of which are more common than other effects. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may include:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, constipation)
- sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
- mass variations (increase or reduction, based on the agent)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
- dry mouth, perspiration, migraine
Additionally, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may comprise:
- rises in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
- low sodium (particularly in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or indifference
"One thing to note here is that there are various distinct categories of depression drugs, which lead to the distinct negative pharmaceutical side effects," a different specialist stated.
"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual variably, and negative side effects can differ according to the specific medication, amount, and individual considerations like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
While several side effects, like fluctuations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are fairly common and often enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.
Talk with Your Physician About Serious Adverse Reactions
Depression drug adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could warrant a change in your drug.
"An modification in antidepressant may be necessary if the patient experiences continuing or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," a specialist stated.
"Additionally, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or considerable mass addition."
You may furthermore think about consulting with your doctor regarding any deficiency of substantial enhancement in low mood or worry indicators following an sufficient trial period. An appropriate evaluation duration is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.
Individual preference is also important. Some patients may prefer to evade certain adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
