Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ by Drug

• A comprehensive new study found that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ substantially by drug.
• Certain drugs caused weight loss, whereas other medications resulted in added mass.
• Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally differed notably among medications.
• Those encountering continuing, intense, or troubling adverse reactions must discuss with a medical provider.

Recent research has found that depression drug side effects may be more varied than earlier believed.

This extensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, assessed the influence of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning two months of beginning treatment.

These scientists examined 151 research projects of 30 drugs frequently employed to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone develops unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the research were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

There were notable differences across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an two-month course of agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients added almost 2 kg in the same period.

Additionally, notable changes in heart function: one antidepressant often would reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a gap of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute across the two medications. BP fluctuated too, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted among one drug and doxepin.

Medical specialists observed that the study's conclusions are not recent or unexpected to psychiatric specialists.

"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs range in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," a specialist stated.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparative quantification of these disparities among a extensive spectrum of physical indicators employing data from more than 58,000 subjects," the professional added.

This research provides strong support of the extent of side effects, certain of which are more frequent than different reactions. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may comprise:

• digestive issues (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
• sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
• weight changes (addition or reduction, according to the drug)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• mouth dryness, moisture, migraine

At the same time, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:

• increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
• hyponatremia (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
• emotional blunting or indifference

"One thing to consider here is that there are various different classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," another expert commented.

"Furthermore, depression treatments can influence each patient variably, and negative side effects can differ depending on the particular drug, amount, and patient considerations including metabolic rate or comorbidities."

While some adverse reactions, including fluctuations in rest, appetite, or vitality, are fairly typical and often enhance as time passes, others may be less typical or more persistent.

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in seriousness, which could justify a change in your medication.

"An change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual encounters ongoing or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," one professional stated.

"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recent medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current medication, for example hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable mass addition."

Individuals may also consider speaking with your doctor about any deficiency of significant progress in depressive or anxiety-related signs after an sufficient trial period. The sufficient evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.

Patient choice is furthermore significant. Certain individuals may want to evade particular side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition