Depression Drug Side Effects Like Weight, BP Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication
- An comprehensive latest study discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications vary significantly by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals resulted in decreased mass, while different drugs caused added mass.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally varied markedly among drugs.
- Those experiencing continuing, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects must speak with a physician.
Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.
The comprehensive study, released on October 21st, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial 60 days of starting therapy.
The researchers examined 151 research projects of 30 drugs typically prescribed to manage major depression. Although not all individuals experiences adverse reactions, several of the most frequent observed in the investigation were fluctuations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed striking disparities among antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week course of one medication was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users gained almost 2 kg in the same period.
Additionally, significant variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow pulse rate, while nortriptyline increased it, causing a difference of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen between nortriptyline and doxepin.
Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Encompass a Wide Range
Healthcare professionals noted that the research's conclusions aren't recent or surprising to psychiatric specialists.
"We've long known that various depression drugs range in their influences on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a expert stated.
"Nonetheless, what is notable about this study is the thorough, comparison-based quantification of these disparities throughout a wide spectrum of physiological parameters utilizing findings from more than 58,000 participants," the professional noted.
The research offers comprehensive evidence of the degree of side effects, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical antidepressant side effects may encompass:
- digestive issues (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
- intimacy issues (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- body weight fluctuations (addition or reduction, based on the medication)
- sleep problems (sleeplessness or sedation)
- mouth dryness, sweating, migraine
Meanwhile, rarer but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:
- elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or apathy
"An important point to consider in this context is that there are multiple distinct classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct adverse medication side effects," a different specialist commented.
"Additionally, depression treatments can affect each patient distinctly, and unwanted side effects can differ depending on the specific drug, amount, and patient considerations including metabolic rate or comorbidities."
While several adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are quite common and frequently improve as time passes, different reactions may be less typical or more persistent.
Consult with Your Physician About Intense Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may range in severity, which could justify a change in your drug.
"An change in antidepressant may be warranted if the person experiences persistent or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," one professional stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current drug, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant increased body weight."
Individuals may also contemplate consulting with your healthcare provider about any lack of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety-related indicators after an adequate trial period. An appropriate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic dose.
Individual preference is additionally significant. Some patients may prefer to avoid particular side effects, such as sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
