Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range by Drug
- An extensive recent investigation found that the unwanted effects of antidepressant medications vary considerably by drug.
- Certain medications led to reduced body weight, while other medications resulted in increased body weight.
- Heart rate and blood pressure additionally differed notably between treatments.
- Patients suffering from ongoing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects should speak with a healthcare professional.
Latest studies has discovered that antidepressant medication side effects may be more extensive than previously thought.
The extensive investigation, published on October 21, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the initial two months of commencing medication.
These scientists studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to treat major depression. Although not every patient develops unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent recorded in the investigation were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
There were significant differences between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an two-month treatment period of one medication was connected with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug patients gained close to 2 kg in the same duration.
Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine often would slow heart rate, while another medication increased it, causing a gap of about 21 beats per minute among the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury disparity observed across one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Include a Wide Array
Clinical experts noted that the study's findings aren't new or surprising to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on body weight, BP, and other metabolic parameters," a professional explained.
"Nonetheless, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, comparative measurement of these disparities among a extensive spectrum of physiological parameters employing information from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this specialist commented.
The research provides strong proof of the degree of unwanted effects, certain of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may include:
- digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, blockage)
- sexual problems (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
- mass variations (increase or decrease, according to the medication)
- rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
- dry mouth, moisture, head pain
At the same time, less common but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:
- elevations in blood pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- liver enzyme elevations
- QTc extension (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or indifference
"An important point to consider in this context is that there are various distinct types of depression drugs, which result in the different unwanted drug side effects," a different professional commented.
"Moreover, antidepressant medications can impact each person variably, and negative effects can differ depending on the particular medication, dosage, and patient considerations including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."
Although certain unwanted effects, including variations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably frequent and frequently get better as time passes, other effects may be less frequent or longer-lasting.
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Serious Side Effects
Depression drug unwanted effects may differ in intensity, which could warrant a change in your drug.
"An change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person experiences continuing or unacceptable adverse reactions that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," one specialist commented.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed health problems that may be aggravated by the present medication, for instance high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."
Individuals may also consider consulting with your doctor about any deficiency of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety signs after an sufficient evaluation duration. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.
Patient preference is also important. Some patients may choose to evade specific side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
