Antidepressant Side Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range Depending on Medication

New research provides comprehensive proof of the broad array of depression treatment adverse reactions.
  • A large latest research discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ substantially by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, whereas different drugs caused increased body weight.
  • Heart rate and arterial pressure also differed notably across medications.
  • Patients experiencing continuing, intense, or worrisome adverse reactions ought to discuss with a medical provider.

Latest investigations has found that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more varied than previously thought.

The large-scale research, published on October 21, assessed the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the first eight weeks of commencing therapy.

The scientists analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications frequently employed to manage depression. Although not all individuals encounters side effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the research were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

Researchers observed notable variations between antidepressant drugs. For instance, an two-month course of one medication was connected with an typical decrease in mass of around 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals added close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, marked changes in heart function: one antidepressant often would decrease cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, producing a difference of around 21 BPM among the both treatments. Blood pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg disparity seen between nortriptyline and doxepin.

Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Encompass a Extensive Range

Medical experts observed that the research's conclusions are not considered new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs range in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic measures," one professional explained.

"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparative quantification of these variations among a extensive spectrum of physical indicators utilizing findings from over 58,000 participants," the professional added.

This investigation provides robust proof of the magnitude of unwanted effects, some of which are more frequent than others. Typical depression drug side effects may encompass:

  • stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
  • intimacy issues (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, based on the agent)
  • rest issues (sleeplessness or sleepiness)
  • mouth dryness, moisture, headache

Additionally, less common but medically important adverse reactions may include:

  • increases in blood pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclics)
  • low sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • diminished feelings or indifference

"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are several distinct types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the varying unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," a different professional commented.

"Additionally, depression treatments can influence each person differently, and unwanted side effects can differ based on the specific drug, dose, and personal factors such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain side effects, including changes in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly frequent and often enhance over time, other effects may be less typical or more persistent.

Speak with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Serious Unwanted Effects

Depression drug side effects may differ in intensity, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person experiences persistent or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with duration or supportive care," one specialist stated.

"Moreover, if there is an appearance of new medical issues that may be exacerbated by the current drug, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or substantial increased body weight."

You may furthermore contemplate speaking with your physician regarding any lack of substantial progress in depression-related or worry symptoms subsequent to an appropriate evaluation duration. An adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a effective dosage.

Patient choice is furthermore significant. Certain individuals may choose to avoid specific side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Dylan Moreno
Dylan Moreno

Aria Vance is a seasoned gaming expert and content creator specializing in casino reviews and strategies for high-rollers.