Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Vary by Drug
- An large recent research found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs vary substantially by drug.
- Certain drugs resulted in reduced body weight, while other medications led to increased body weight.
- Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure additionally differed significantly across treatments.
- Individuals encountering persistent, severe, or concerning unwanted effects should discuss with a physician.
Recent investigations has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more extensive than earlier believed.
The comprehensive research, published on the 21st of October, examined the influence of depression treatments on more than 58,000 participants within the beginning eight weeks of commencing medication.
The investigators analyzed 151 studies of 30 medications typically used to manage major depression. Although not everyone experiences adverse reactions, several of the most prevalent observed in the investigation were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed significant differences across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an 60-day course of agomelatine was linked to an mean decrease in mass of about 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug patients gained almost 2 kg in the identical duration.
Furthermore, marked fluctuations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant often would decrease pulse rate, while another medication raised it, producing a disparity of approximately 21 BPM across the two medications. Arterial pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted across nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Include a Broad Spectrum
Clinical experts noted that the investigation's findings aren't novel or startling to mental health professionals.
"We've long known that various antidepressant medications differ in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and further metabolic measures," a expert explained.
"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparative measurement of these differences among a broad spectrum of physical indicators utilizing data from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this expert noted.
This study delivers comprehensive proof of the magnitude of side effects, certain of which are more common than other effects. Common depression drug side effects may comprise:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, blockage)
- intimacy issues (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- weight changes (addition or loss, depending on the drug)
- sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
- oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine
Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:
- increases in BP or heart rate (especially 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 (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- emotional blunting or indifference
"An important point to consider in this context is that there are various distinct types of depression drugs, which result in the distinct adverse pharmaceutical effects," a different professional commented.
"Additionally, depression treatments can affect each person distinctly, and unwanted reactions can range depending on the specific medication, dosage, and patient elements including body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."
While some unwanted effects, such as variations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably frequent and frequently get better with time, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.
Talk with Your Physician About Intense Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant side effects may differ in intensity, which could require a change in your medication.
"A adjustment in depression drug may be necessary if the person experiences continuing or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with duration or supportive measures," a professional said.
"Furthermore, if there is an development of new health problems that may be aggravated by the existing drug, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or substantial weight gain."
Patients may additionally think about talking with your healthcare provider regarding any deficiency of meaningful progress in low mood or anxiety-related indicators following an appropriate trial period. An sufficient testing period is usually 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dose.
Patient preference is furthermore significant. Certain people may choose to prevent certain adverse reactions, such as intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition