Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug

• A large latest study determined that the unwanted effects of depression drugs range substantially by drug.
• Certain drugs led to decreased mass, while other medications caused weight gain.
• Heart rate and BP also varied markedly across treatments.
• Those experiencing ongoing, severe, or concerning side effects should speak with a physician.

Latest research has discovered that depression drug side effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This large-scale study, issued on October 21, examined the effect of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the first eight weeks of starting treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications typically prescribed to treat depression. While not everyone encounters adverse reactions, several of the most common noted in the investigation were changes in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

There were significant disparities between antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month course of agomelatine was associated with an average weight loss of around 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), while another drug individuals added close to 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, notable changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a difference of about 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed across one drug and doxepin.

Medical experts observed that the investigation's conclusions are not new or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"We've long known that different depression drugs vary in their impacts on body weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one expert commented.

"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the thorough, comparative assessment of these disparities among a extensive range of physical indicators utilizing data from over 58,000 subjects," this specialist noted.

The study provides comprehensive support of the degree of adverse reactions, several of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant adverse reactions may comprise:

• digestive issues (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• weight changes (increase or reduction, according to the agent)
• sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, perspiration, headache

At the same time, less common but medically important unwanted effects may include:

• rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• increased liver enzymes
• QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"A key factor to remember in this context is that there are multiple different types of antidepressant medications, which result in the varying negative drug side effects," a different expert stated.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can impact each person differently, and unwanted effects can vary according to the specific pharmaceutical, dose, and personal elements including metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although certain adverse reactions, such as changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite common and commonly enhance over time, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.

Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could warrant a adjustment in your medication.

"A change in depression drug may be appropriate if the person experiences persistent or unbearable side effects that don't get better with time or supportive measures," a specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the current medication, such as hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

You may additionally consider consulting with your healthcare provider about any absence of substantial improvement in depressive or anxiety-related signs after an appropriate trial period. An sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.

Individual preference is additionally crucial. Certain people may prefer to avoid certain unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition