Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Body Weight, BP Variations Range Depending on Medication

New research provides robust findings of the wide spectrum of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • An comprehensive recent study found that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ significantly by drug.
  • Certain pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, while other medications resulted in weight gain.
  • Pulse rate and BP additionally differed notably between treatments.
  • Individuals experiencing continuing, severe, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to discuss with a physician.

Latest research has discovered that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

This comprehensive research, issued on October 21st, assessed the impact of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the first eight weeks of starting therapy.

These investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 drugs frequently employed to manage depression. Although not everyone experiences unwanted effects, certain of the most prevalent noted in the study were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic markers.

The study revealed striking variations between depression treatments. For example, an 60-day course of agomelatine was associated with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline users added close to 2 kg in the same period.

There were also, significant fluctuations in heart function: fluvoxamine tended to slow heart rate, whereas nortriptyline raised it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM among the both treatments. BP varied also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference noted across nortriptyline and doxepin.

Antidepressant Unwanted Effects Comprise a Broad Range

Clinical professionals observed that the investigation's conclusions are not new or unexpected to psychiatrists.

"It has long been understood that different antidepressants differ in their influences on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one professional commented.

"However, what is significant about this research is the rigorous, comparison-based measurement of these differences throughout a wide range of physical indicators using information from over 58,000 subjects," this expert added.

This research provides comprehensive proof of the extent of side effects, several of which are more common than others. Typical depression drug adverse reactions may include:

  • stomach problems (nausea, diarrhea, constipation)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • mass variations (addition or reduction, depending on the drug)
  • sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or drowsiness)
  • dry mouth, sweating, head pain

At the same time, rarer but clinically significant side effects may comprise:

  • rises in arterial pressure or pulse rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
  • low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with one medication and certain tricyclics)
  • reduced emotions or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are several distinct types of antidepressants, which contribute to the different negative pharmaceutical reactions," another professional stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence every individual differently, and unwanted side effects can differ according to the exact medication, amount, and personal elements including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain side effects, including changes in sleep, hunger, or vitality, are fairly frequent and commonly improve with time, others may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Consult with Your Healthcare Provider About Intense Side Effects

Depression drug side effects may range in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your medication.

"A modification in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the person suffers continuing or intolerable side effects that do not improve with duration or management strategies," a professional commented.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical issues that may be exacerbated by the present treatment, for example elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."

Patients may furthermore consider talking with your doctor concerning any deficiency of significant enhancement in depressive or worry signs after an adequate trial period. An adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.

Personal inclination is furthermore important. Certain individuals may prefer to evade specific adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Brandy Strickland
Brandy Strickland

A dedicated medical researcher with over a decade of experience in clinical diagnostics and laboratory management.