Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Vary Based on Pharmaceutical
- An comprehensive new study found that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ considerably by drug.
- Certain pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, whereas other medications led to increased body weight.
- Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also diverged significantly between drugs.
- Individuals suffering from ongoing, serious, or worrisome adverse reactions must discuss with a medical provider.
New studies has found that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.
The comprehensive study, published on October 21st, examined the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of beginning treatment.
These scientists studied 151 research projects of 30 medications frequently prescribed to treat depression. While not all individuals encounters adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent observed in the study were variations in body weight, blood pressure, and metabolic markers.
The study revealed striking variations between antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an two-month regimen of agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients added close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.
Furthermore, marked variations in heart function: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease heart rate, while another medication raised it, producing a disparity of around 21 BPM across the two drugs. Blood pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed among nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Include a Broad Array
Clinical specialists observed that the study's results aren't novel or surprising to mental health professionals.
"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs differ in their impacts on weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," a professional stated.
"Nevertheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the thorough, comparative assessment of these variations across a extensive spectrum of physiological parameters employing data from more than 58,000 individuals," this professional added.
The research offers comprehensive evidence of the extent of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than others. Frequent depression drug side effects may encompass:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bowel issues, irregularity)
- sexual problems (decreased libido, inability to orgasm)
- weight changes (increase or decrease, according to the drug)
- rest issues (insomnia or sleepiness)
- dry mouth, sweating, head pain
Meanwhile, rarer but therapeutically relevant side effects may encompass:
- elevations in blood pressure or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- hyponatremia (especially in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- elevated hepatic parameters
- Corrected QT interval extension (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and certain tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or lack of interest
"One thing to consider regarding this matter is that there are several distinct categories of antidepressants, which lead to the distinct unwanted drug effects," a different expert explained.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect every individual variably, and unwanted reactions can differ based on the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal considerations such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."
Although several side effects, like fluctuations in rest, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably common and often improve over time, different reactions may be less typical or more persistent.
Talk with Your Doctor Regarding Severe Adverse Reactions
Depression drug adverse reactions may range in severity, which could justify a change in your medication.
"An adjustment in depression drug may be warranted if the patient encounters ongoing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," one professional stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recently developed health problems that may be exacerbated by the existing medication, for instance elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant weight gain."
Patients may also think about talking with your physician about any absence of substantial improvement in low mood or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an appropriate testing period. An sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dosage.
Individual inclination is additionally important. Some people may want to prevent specific side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
