Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Differ by Drug

New study offers strong proof of the extensive spectrum of depression treatment unwanted effects.
  • An extensive recent study discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ significantly by drug.
  • Some medications led to decreased mass, while different drugs caused weight gain.
  • Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore differed significantly across medications.
  • Individuals suffering from ongoing, severe, or concerning adverse reactions should consult a physician.

New research has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than earlier believed.

The comprehensive research, published on the 21st of October, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the initial two months of beginning therapy.

These researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 medications frequently employed to address clinical depression. While not every patient develops adverse reactions, some of the most frequent observed in the investigation were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

Researchers observed significant disparities among antidepressant drugs. As an illustration, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an mean weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals added almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

Furthermore, notable changes in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease heart rate, whereas nortriptyline raised it, creating a difference of around 21 BPM among the two drugs. BP differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen among one drug and doxepin.

Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Encompass a Broad Spectrum

Healthcare experts observed that the research's conclusions are not considered novel or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that various depression drugs vary in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," one specialist stated.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these variations among a extensive spectrum of bodily measurements utilizing data from over 58,000 individuals," this professional commented.

The investigation offers strong proof of the extent of side effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication unwanted effects may encompass:

  • stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, irregularity)
  • sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
  • mass variations (increase or decrease, depending on the agent)
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
  • mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine

At the same time, less common but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may comprise:

  • elevations in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of arrhythmia, especially with one medication and some tricyclics)
  • emotional blunting or indifference

"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the distinct negative pharmaceutical reactions," a different professional stated.

"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect each person distinctly, and negative effects can range based on the particular medication, amount, and individual elements like body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain side effects, including changes in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite common and often improve as time passes, other effects may be less typical or more persistent.

Speak with Your Physician Regarding Intense Side Effects

Depression drug unwanted effects may differ in seriousness, which could require a adjustment in your drug.

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or supportive measures," one expert stated.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be worsened by the present treatment, for instance elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant weight gain."

You may also consider speaking with your physician regarding any deficiency of substantial improvement in depressive or worry indicators after an appropriate trial period. The adequate trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a therapeutic amount.

Personal preference is also significant. Certain people may want to avoid particular side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Bianca Santos
Bianca Santos

Award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK politics and social issues, known for insightful reporting.