Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Including Weight, BP Changes Range Depending on Medication
- A large new investigation found that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ significantly by drug.
- Some medications caused reduced body weight, whereas different drugs led to increased body weight.
- Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure furthermore varied notably across drugs.
- Patients encountering persistent, serious, or concerning unwanted effects should consult a medical provider.
Recent studies has found that antidepressant side effects may be more varied than once assumed.
The comprehensive study, issued on October 21st, assessed the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 individuals within the first two months of starting treatment.
These investigators examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to address major depression. While not every patient develops side effects, certain of the most frequent recorded in the study were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.
There were striking differences among depression treatments. For instance, an 60-day course of agomelatine was associated with an average reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients gained almost 2 kg in the identical period.
There were also, notable changes in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to slow pulse rate, whereas nortriptyline elevated it, creating a difference of about 21 BPM among the two drugs. Arterial pressure differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.
Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Include a Broad Spectrum
Healthcare specialists commented that the investigation's results are not recent or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.
"We've long known that various depression drugs vary in their influences on weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," one professional explained.
"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the rigorous, comparison-based measurement of these variations among a extensive range of physical indicators employing findings from over 58,000 participants," this expert added.
The investigation provides robust evidence of the magnitude of side effects, several of which are more frequent than others. Frequent depression drug side effects may comprise:
- digestive issues (queasiness, bowel issues, blockage)
- intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
- body weight fluctuations (gain or loss, depending on the agent)
- rest issues (insomnia or drowsiness)
- mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine
At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:
- increases in BP or heart rate (notably with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- emotional blunting or indifference
"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are several distinct categories of depression drugs, which result in the distinct unwanted medication side effects," a different professional explained.
"Moreover, depression treatments can affect each person variably, and unwanted reactions can range based on the specific medication, dosage, and individual considerations including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."
While certain unwanted effects, like variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are fairly typical and often improve with time, others may be less common or continuing.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Intense Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication side effects may range in intensity, which could require a change in your drug.
"An modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the person encounters persistent or intolerable unwanted effects that do not improve with time or supportive care," one specialist stated.
"Additionally, if there is an development of new health problems that may be aggravated by the present treatment, for instance high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or substantial mass addition."
You may furthermore contemplate consulting with your doctor about any lack of meaningful improvement in depressive or worry symptoms subsequent to an sufficient trial period. The adequate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dose.
Personal preference is furthermore important. Some people may prefer to prevent specific side effects, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
