Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Such as Weight, BP Variations Vary by Drug

Latest study delivers robust findings of the broad range of depression treatment unwanted effects.
  • A large latest research determined that the unwanted effects of depression drugs range considerably by drug.
  • Some medications resulted in reduced body weight, while others caused added mass.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore differed notably among drugs.
  • Patients encountering ongoing, serious, or worrisome adverse reactions must speak with a healthcare professional.

New investigations has revealed that antidepressant side effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

The extensive study, published on October 21st, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of commencing therapy.

These investigators studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals typically employed to treat clinical depression. Although not everyone experiences adverse reactions, some of the most common recorded in the research were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking differences among antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of one medication was linked to an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), while maprotiline patients added almost 2 kg in the identical duration.

Additionally, marked changes in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to slow heart rate, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a gap of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. BP differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity seen between nortriptyline and another medication.

Depression Drug Side Effects Comprise a Broad Array

Healthcare professionals commented that the research's findings aren't recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressant medications range in their impacts on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic indicators," one expert stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this research is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these disparities across a extensive spectrum of physical indicators utilizing data from more than 58,000 subjects," this professional commented.

This study delivers comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, several of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant adverse reactions may encompass:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, irregularity)
  • sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (increase or reduction, depending on the medication)
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
  • oral dehydration, perspiration, headache

Additionally, less common but therapeutically relevant adverse reactions may include:

  • rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
  • hyponatremia (especially in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of abnormal heart rhythm, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
  • reduced emotions or apathy

"An important point to note here is that there are multiple varying types of depression drugs, which result in the distinct negative pharmaceutical side effects," another expert explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each patient variably, and unwanted effects can range based on the particular medication, dosage, and individual considerations including metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain adverse reactions, including fluctuations in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are quite frequent and often improve as time passes, other effects may be less common or continuing.

Talk with Your Doctor Concerning Intense Side Effects

Depression drug unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"A adjustment in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient encounters persistent or unacceptable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive measures," one professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an development of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or considerable increased body weight."

Patients may also consider speaking with your doctor about any deficiency of significant enhancement in low mood or anxiety indicators subsequent to an sufficient testing period. An sufficient trial period is usually 4–8 weeks at a treatment dose.

Patient choice is also significant. Some individuals may want to evade certain side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Gregory Hess DDS
Gregory Hess DDS

A tech enthusiast and creative writer passionate about innovation and storytelling, sharing insights from years of experience in digital fields.