Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Including Body Weight, BP Variations Differ by Drug
- An extensive latest research determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals resulted in weight loss, while others caused increased body weight.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure furthermore diverged notably across treatments.
- Patients encountering continuing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions should speak with a medical provider.
Latest investigations has found that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than once assumed.
The large-scale study, released on October 21, analyzed the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial 60 days of commencing therapy.
These investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs typically employed to address clinical depression. Although not all individuals develops adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent noted in the study were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
Researchers observed significant variations across antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week course of agomelatine was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug users added nearly 2 kg in the identical period.
There were also, marked changes in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to decrease cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication elevated it, creating a gap of about 21 beats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 mmHg difference observed between one drug and another medication.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Include a Extensive Range
Medical experts noted that the research's results are not considered novel or startling to mental health professionals.
"We've long known that various depression drugs differ in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," a professional explained.
"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this research is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these variations across a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements employing data from more than 58,000 participants," this expert commented.
The study offers strong proof of the extent of adverse reactions, certain of which are more common than others. Frequent antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, constipation)
- intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, based on the drug)
- rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
- mouth dryness, perspiration, headache
Additionally, rarer but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may comprise:
- increases in blood pressure or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (particularly in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- QTc prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or indifference
"One thing to note here is that there are several varying types of antidepressants, which lead to the distinct adverse pharmaceutical effects," another professional commented.
"Furthermore, depression treatments can affect every individual distinctly, and adverse side effects can range depending on the exact drug, dosage, and personal considerations such as metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."
Although certain unwanted effects, such as changes in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably typical and often improve with time, other effects may be less typical or more persistent.
Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Severe Side Effects
Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could require a modification in your drug.
"A modification in depression drug may be necessary if the person experiences persistent or intolerable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," a specialist said.
"Additionally, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the present treatment, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."
Patients may also contemplate talking with your healthcare provider concerning any deficiency of substantial progress in depression-related or worry indicators after an sufficient evaluation duration. The appropriate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dose.
Patient preference is furthermore important. Some individuals may prefer to prevent certain unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
