Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary Depending on Medication
- An comprehensive new investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ considerably by drug.
- Certain medications caused decreased mass, while others resulted in added mass.
- Heart rate and blood pressure furthermore diverged markedly across medications.
- Those encountering persistent, intense, or troubling side effects ought to consult a healthcare professional.
Recent research has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.
The extensive study, published on October 21, examined the impact of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning 60 days of beginning medication.
These researchers analyzed 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to treat clinical depression. Although not all individuals develops side effects, several of the most prevalent recorded in the study were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
Researchers observed notable disparities between antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was linked to an mean decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients gained close to 2 kg in the identical timeframe.
Furthermore, notable fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to reduce heart rate, whereas another medication increased it, producing a difference of about 21 beats per minute between the two drugs. Blood pressure differed also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed across one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Comprise a Broad Spectrum
Medical professionals observed that the research's findings aren't recent or unexpected to mental health professionals.
"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications vary in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic measures," one professional stated.
"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative quantification of these disparities throughout a wide spectrum of bodily measurements employing findings from over 58,000 participants," the expert noted.
The study provides strong support of the magnitude of unwanted effects, some of which are more common than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication adverse reactions may encompass:
- stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, blockage)
- intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
- body weight fluctuations (increase or decrease, based on the agent)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
- oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine
At the same time, less common but clinically significant adverse reactions may encompass:
- rises in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- low sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc extension (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- diminished feelings or apathy
"One thing to consider in this context is that there are various distinct categories of depression drugs, which result in the varying unwanted drug side effects," a different expert explained.
"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can impact each person distinctly, and adverse effects can differ depending on the particular drug, dosage, and individual elements such as metabolism or comorbidities."
While several unwanted effects, like fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are quite frequent and frequently enhance over time, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.
Consult with Your Physician Concerning Severe Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant adverse reactions may range in seriousness, which could warrant a change in your treatment.
"A change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the individual suffers persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that don't get better with passing days or supportive care," a professional stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an development of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or considerable weight gain."
Patients may furthermore contemplate talking with your doctor regarding any lack of significant progress in low mood or anxiety indicators after an adequate testing period. The adequate testing period is typically 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.
Personal choice is additionally crucial. Some individuals may want to evade specific adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
