Depression Drug Side Effects Like Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication
- A comprehensive new investigation determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs range substantially by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals resulted in decreased mass, whereas other medications caused weight gain.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure additionally varied notably between medications.
- Patients suffering from ongoing, severe, or worrisome side effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.
New research has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than earlier believed.
The comprehensive investigation, published on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of beginning treatment.
The researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs typically used to manage clinical depression. Although not everyone develops side effects, some of the most frequent noted in the research were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
Researchers observed notable disparities among depression treatments. As an illustration, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was connected with an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the identical duration.
Additionally, significant fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine often would decrease cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline raised it, creating a disparity of around 21 BPM among the two medications. Blood pressure varied too, with an 11 mmHg variation noted across one drug and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Encompass a Wide Range
Clinical experts commented that the investigation's results are not considered recent or startling to psychiatric specialists.
"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs differ in their effects on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," a professional commented.
"Nonetheless, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these disparities among a wide spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from over 58,000 subjects," the professional commented.
The investigation delivers comprehensive support of the extent of unwanted effects, certain of which are more frequent than others. Common depression drug adverse reactions may include:
- digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
- sexual problems (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
- mass variations (gain or loss, based on the agent)
- sleep problems (inability to sleep or sedation)
- dry mouth, moisture, head pain
Meanwhile, less common but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:
- elevations in arterial pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- emotional blunting or lack of interest
"One thing to note regarding this matter is that there are several distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying adverse medication side effects," another expert commented.
"Furthermore, depression treatments can impact each patient variably, and unwanted reactions can differ according to the specific drug, dose, and individual factors such as metabolism or comorbidities."
While some unwanted effects, including variations in sleep, hunger, or energy levels, are reasonably common and often enhance over time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.
Consult with Your Physician About Intense Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant adverse reactions may differ in intensity, which could justify a modification in your treatment.
"A adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person encounters continuing or unbearable side effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive care," a professional commented.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent medical conditions that may be worsened by the existing drug, for example elevated BP, arrhythmia, or substantial mass addition."
Patients may furthermore contemplate speaking with your doctor regarding any deficiency of significant enhancement in low mood or anxiety indicators subsequent to an adequate testing period. The appropriate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.
Patient inclination is additionally important. Some patients may want to evade specific unwanted effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
