Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Depending on Medication

Latest research provides strong findings of the wide range of depression treatment adverse reactions.
  • An extensive latest research determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
  • Certain drugs led to reduced body weight, while other medications caused increased body weight.
  • Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also differed notably between medications.
  • Those encountering ongoing, severe, or worrisome side effects should speak with a healthcare professional.

Latest investigations has found that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more diverse than once assumed.

This comprehensive study, released on October 21, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of starting therapy.

The scientists studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs frequently used to address major depression. While not everyone encounters side effects, certain of the most frequent recorded in the research were fluctuations in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed notable disparities between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was associated with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while another drug individuals increased almost 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant was likely to reduce cardiac rhythm, whereas another medication increased it, causing a difference of about 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg variation observed across nortriptyline and another medication.

Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Include a Extensive Array

Healthcare professionals noted that the research's findings aren't recent or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressants range in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic measures," a expert commented.

"However, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, comparative quantification of these differences among a wide spectrum of bodily measurements utilizing findings from more than 58,000 subjects," this specialist added.

This investigation provides robust proof of the degree of side effects, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may comprise:

  • stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
  • intimacy issues (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
  • body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, based on the drug)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
  • mouth dryness, perspiration, migraine

At the same time, less frequent but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

  • rises in blood pressure or pulse rate (particularly with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
  • diminished feelings or lack of interest

"One thing to note in this context is that there are several different classes of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the different unwanted medication reactions," a different professional stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can impact each person variably, and unwanted effects can differ based on the specific pharmaceutical, dose, and individual factors including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

While several side effects, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite frequent and commonly enhance over time, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Speak with Your Physician Regarding Severe Side Effects

Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could justify a modification in your drug.

"A adjustment in antidepressant may be necessary if the person suffers persistent or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with duration or supportive measures," a specialist said.

"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new health problems that may be aggravated by the current medication, for instance elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or considerable weight gain."

You may additionally contemplate talking with your healthcare provider about any deficiency of meaningful enhancement in low mood or worry indicators following an appropriate evaluation duration. An adequate evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dose.

Personal preference is also significant. Some people may choose to avoid certain adverse reactions, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Joseph White
Joseph White

A passionate web developer and tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in creating innovative digital solutions.

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