Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Weight, BP Fluctuations Differ by Drug

New study delivers comprehensive findings of the extensive range of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • An comprehensive new study found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary significantly by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals led to decreased mass, whereas others led to weight gain.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore varied significantly among treatments.
  • Individuals encountering continuing, severe, or worrisome side effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.

Recent research has discovered that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The extensive research, issued on October 21st, analyzed the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the first eight weeks of beginning treatment.

These scientists analyzed 151 research projects of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to address depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, some of the most prevalent observed in the study were fluctuations in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking disparities among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients increased close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

There were also, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication increased it, creating a difference of about 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. Blood pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed across nortriptyline and another medication.

Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Comprise a Broad Spectrum

Clinical specialists observed that the investigation's findings are not considered novel or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that various antidepressants range in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and other metabolic measures," one specialist explained.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these differences across a broad array of physiological parameters employing information from more than 58,000 individuals," this expert noted.

The investigation offers comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Common antidepressant medication unwanted effects may encompass:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, blockage)
  • intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
  • weight changes (increase or reduction, according to the drug)
  • sleep disturbances (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
  • oral dehydration, moisture, head pain

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

  • rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
  • low sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (potential of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to remember in this context is that there are several different categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the distinct adverse medication effects," a different specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can affect each person variably, and negative side effects can differ based on the particular pharmaceutical, amount, and personal elements such as body chemistry or comorbidities."

Although several side effects, including variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly frequent and commonly improve as time passes, different reactions may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Intense Unwanted Effects

Antidepressant unwanted effects may differ in severity, which could require a adjustment in your drug.

"A change in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the individual suffers continuing or intolerable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," one specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an development of recent medical issues that may be aggravated by the current drug, such as elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or substantial weight gain."

Patients may also think about speaking with your physician concerning any absence of substantial progress in depression-related or anxiety-related indicators following an sufficient testing period. An adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a effective amount.

Individual choice is additionally important. Some individuals may want to prevent specific side effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Daniel Potter
Daniel Potter

A passionate traveler and cultural enthusiast, sharing insights from years of exploring Indonesia's diverse regions.