Antidepressant Medication Side Effects Such as Body Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Differ Based on Pharmaceutical

New investigation delivers comprehensive findings of the wide array of antidepressant medication adverse reactions.
  • A comprehensive latest research determined that the side effects of antidepressant medications vary considerably by drug.
  • Some drugs led to weight loss, whereas other medications resulted in added mass.
  • Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally differed notably among medications.
  • Those experiencing continuing, severe, or concerning side effects ought to speak with a healthcare professional.

New investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more varied than previously thought.

This extensive research, published on October 21st, assessed the effect of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of commencing treatment.

The researchers examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs frequently employed to manage major depression. While not every patient experiences side effects, certain of the most common observed in the research were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed notable variations between antidepressant drugs. For instance, an eight-week course of agomelatine was connected with an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline individuals increased almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.

There were also, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to slow cardiac rhythm, while nortriptyline elevated it, causing a difference of around 21 heartbeats per minute between the two medications. BP varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted among one drug and doxepin.

Depression Drug Side Effects Comprise a Wide Range

Healthcare experts commented that the research's findings are not considered recent or startling to psychiatric specialists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs range in their effects on body weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," a specialist explained.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, comparative measurement of these variations among a broad range of physical indicators utilizing information from over 58,000 participants," the expert added.

This study provides strong support of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more prevalent than others. Common depression drug side effects may include:

  • stomach problems (nausea, loose stools, blockage)
  • intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, according to the drug)
  • rest issues (insomnia or sedation)
  • dry mouth, perspiration, migraine

Meanwhile, less frequent but clinically significant unwanted effects may include:

  • elevations in arterial pressure or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • elevated hepatic parameters
  • QTc prolongation (risk of irregular heartbeat, particularly with one medication and certain tricyclics)
  • emotional blunting or apathy

"A key factor to consider here is that there are several different classes of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the different negative pharmaceutical side effects," another professional explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can affect every individual variably, and adverse side effects can vary depending on the specific drug, dose, and personal considerations like metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While several adverse reactions, including variations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably frequent and commonly improve with time, other effects may be less typical or continuing.

Consult with Your Physician Regarding Severe Side Effects

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could justify a modification in your medication.

"A change in antidepressant may be appropriate if the person encounters continuing or intolerable side effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive measures," a specialist commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the existing treatment, such as hypertension, arrhythmia, or substantial increased body weight."

You may also contemplate speaking with your physician about any absence of substantial enhancement in depressive or worry symptoms following an appropriate trial period. The adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a effective amount.

Individual choice is also significant. Some patients may want to prevent certain adverse reactions, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Mark Bird
Mark Bird

A seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with over a decade of experience in scaling startups and fostering innovation.