Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Including Weight, BP Variations Vary Depending on Medication
- A large latest investigation determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
- Some drugs resulted in weight loss, while different drugs led to added mass.
- Pulse rate and arterial pressure additionally varied significantly across medications.
- Patients suffering from ongoing, severe, or concerning unwanted effects must consult a physician.
New research has discovered that antidepressant medication unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.
This large-scale research, released on October 21st, analyzed the influence of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of beginning therapy.
The researchers analyzed 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to address clinical depression. Although not every patient encounters side effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the research were fluctuations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.
The study revealed striking variations among antidepressant drugs. For example, an 60-day course of agomelatine was associated with an typical decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (about 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline patients increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent duration.
Additionally, notable changes in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to slow cardiac rhythm, whereas nortriptyline increased it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 beats per minute across the two medications. Blood pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg variation noted across one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Encompass a Wide Spectrum
Clinical professionals noted that the research's conclusions are not considered new or startling to psychiatrists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct depression drugs vary in their impacts on weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," a professional commented.
"Nevertheless, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparison-based quantification of these disparities among a wide array of physiological parameters using data from more than 58,000 participants," this specialist added.
The study provides comprehensive evidence of the degree of side effects, several of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant side effects may include:
- digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
- sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
- body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, depending on the drug)
- sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
- dry mouth, perspiration, migraine
Meanwhile, less common but clinically significant unwanted effects may comprise:
- increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (particularly in elderly individuals, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
- reduced emotions or apathy
"An important point to remember in this context is that there are multiple different classes of antidepressants, which lead to the distinct negative drug effects," a different professional stated.
"Additionally, depression treatments can impact each patient distinctly, and adverse reactions can range depending on the specific medication, dose, and individual considerations such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."
While certain unwanted effects, including variations in rest, hunger, or stamina, are fairly typical and frequently get better over time, other effects may be less typical or continuing.
Talk with Your Physician Concerning Serious Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could justify a modification in your medication.
"An adjustment in antidepressant may be appropriate if the patient suffers persistent or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," one professional said.
"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed medical conditions that may be aggravated by the existing drug, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or substantial mass addition."
Patients may additionally consider speaking with your healthcare provider concerning any lack of substantial progress in low mood or anxiety-related symptoms after an sufficient evaluation duration. The adequate trial period is typically 4–8 weeks at a effective dose.
Personal inclination is also important. Certain people may choose to evade specific side effects, like sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition