Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary Depending on Medication

• A comprehensive recent investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
• Certain pharmaceuticals caused decreased mass, while others resulted in increased body weight.
• Pulse rate and blood pressure also varied significantly across drugs.
• Patients experiencing persistent, severe, or troubling adverse reactions must consult a healthcare professional.

Latest investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

This large-scale research, issued on October 21, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning eight weeks of starting therapy.

The researchers examined 151 studies of 30 drugs typically prescribed to address depression. Although not everyone encounters adverse reactions, some of the most prevalent observed in the study were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.

There were significant disparities between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was connected with an average weight loss of around 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals added nearly 2 kg in the same duration.

There were also, notable variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline increased it, causing a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. BP differed too, with an 11 mmHg disparity observed across one drug and another medication.

Medical professionals commented that the research's findings aren't new or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"We've long known that distinct antidepressants vary in their influences on body weight, arterial pressure, and further metabolic measures," one specialist explained.

"Nevertheless, what is notable about this study is the rigorous, relative quantification of these differences throughout a extensive array of physical indicators employing information from over 58,000 individuals," this specialist added.

The investigation offers comprehensive support of the extent of adverse reactions, several of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant unwanted effects may comprise:

• stomach problems (sickness, loose stools, blockage)
• sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
• mass variations (gain or reduction, according to the medication)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• dry mouth, moisture, migraine

At the same time, less common but medically important side effects may comprise:

• elevations in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
• hyponatremia (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc prolongation (risk of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"An important point to remember here is that there are several distinct classes of depression drugs, which result in the different adverse medication reactions," another expert explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can affect every individual distinctly, and unwanted side effects can differ depending on the particular pharmaceutical, dose, and personal factors like body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are fairly common and often enhance with time, different reactions may be less typical or continuing.

Antidepressant medication side effects may differ in intensity, which could warrant a change in your drug.

"An change in antidepressant may be warranted if the person encounters ongoing or intolerable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," a professional said.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for example high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable increased body weight."

Patients may also think about talking with your doctor about any deficiency of significant improvement in depressive or worry symptoms after an appropriate testing period. An adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.

Patient preference is furthermore important. Certain patients may choose to avoid particular adverse reactions, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition