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

• A comprehensive latest research found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
• Some drugs led to weight loss, whereas others led to increased body weight.
• Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore differed markedly across treatments.
• Patients suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning side effects must speak with a medical provider.

Recent research has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

The large-scale research, issued on October 21, examined the effect of depression treatments on more than 58,000 subjects within the first two months of beginning therapy.

These researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to manage major depression. Although not every patient experiences side effects, several of the most prevalent recorded in the study were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed striking differences among antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was connected with an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients added close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Furthermore, significant fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, causing a gap of around 21 BPM across the both treatments. BP varied too, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted between one drug and another medication.

Clinical professionals observed that the study's conclusions aren't recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications vary in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic indicators," one professional explained.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, comparative measurement of these differences across a wide array of bodily measurements employing information from more than 58,000 participants," this professional added.

This research offers comprehensive proof of the extent of adverse reactions, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Common depression drug unwanted effects may include:

• gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
• body weight fluctuations (increase or loss, according to the medication)
• sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
• dry mouth, moisture, migraine

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

• increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
• liver enzyme elevations
• QTc lengthening (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• reduced emotions or indifference

"One thing to remember here is that there are various varying categories of antidepressants, which contribute to the varying adverse drug effects," another professional stated.

"Moreover, depression treatments can influence each patient distinctly, and adverse reactions can differ depending on the specific drug, dosage, and personal considerations such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

While certain unwanted effects, like variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite typical and often improve as time passes, others may be less common or more persistent.

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may range in severity, which could justify a change in your treatment.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be necessary if the individual encounters persistent or unbearable side effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," one professional said.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be worsened by the current drug, such as hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial weight gain."

You may additionally think about talking with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of substantial improvement in depressive or anxiety indicators following an sufficient evaluation duration. The adequate testing period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dosage.

Personal choice is also significant. Certain individuals may prefer to prevent certain adverse reactions, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition