Depression Drug Side Effects Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Range Depending on Medication

Latest study offers robust findings of the wide array of antidepressant medication side effects.
  • A extensive new study discovered that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
  • Some pharmaceuticals caused reduced body weight, while other medications caused added mass.
  • Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally varied significantly between treatments.
  • Those encountering ongoing, serious, or troubling side effects must discuss with a medical provider.

New investigations has revealed that depression drug side effects may be more diverse than earlier believed.

This large-scale study, released on October 21st, examined the influence of antidepressant drugs on more than 58,000 individuals within the first two months of beginning medication.

The researchers studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs frequently employed to manage clinical depression. While not all individuals develops adverse reactions, several of the most frequent recorded in the study were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed significant variations among antidepressant drugs. For instance, an 60-day treatment period of one medication was connected with an mean weight loss of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 lbs), while another drug users gained close to 2 kg in the identical duration.

Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: one antidepressant tended to reduce heart rate, whereas another medication increased it, creating a difference of about 21 heartbeats per minute across the both treatments. Arterial pressure differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference observed across one drug and another medication.

Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Comprise a Extensive Array

Clinical specialists commented that the research's findings are not new or startling to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressant medications vary in their impacts on body weight, arterial pressure, and additional metabolic indicators," one professional stated.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this investigation is the rigorous, comparative assessment of these disparities among a broad range of bodily measurements using data from more than 58,000 participants," this expert noted.

This study provides robust support of the magnitude of unwanted effects, certain of which are more common than others. Common depression drug adverse reactions may encompass:

  • digestive issues (sickness, diarrhea, blockage)
  • sexual problems (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
  • mass variations (addition or loss, according to the agent)
  • sleep problems (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
  • mouth dryness, sweating, migraine

At the same time, less frequent but medically important unwanted effects may encompass:

  • rises in BP or pulse rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval extension (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
  • emotional blunting or lack of interest

"A key factor to consider in this context is that there are multiple varying types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the varying negative medication side effects," another specialist explained.

"Moreover, antidepressant medications can influence every individual differently, and unwanted side effects can range according to the particular drug, dosage, and individual considerations such as body chemistry or co-occurring conditions."

While certain side effects, such as changes in rest, hunger, or vitality, are reasonably common and frequently enhance as time passes, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.

Talk with Your Healthcare Provider Concerning Severe Unwanted Effects

Depression drug adverse reactions may vary in intensity, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"An change in depression drug may be appropriate if the individual suffers continuing or unbearable adverse reactions that don't get better with passing days or supportive care," one professional commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recently developed medical conditions that may be exacerbated by the existing treatment, for instance hypertension, arrhythmia, or significant weight gain."

You may furthermore think about consulting with your physician about any deficiency of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety-related indicators following an adequate evaluation duration. The sufficient testing period is typically 4–8 weeks duration at a effective amount.

Personal choice is furthermore crucial. Certain individuals may prefer to prevent specific side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Katherine Allison
Katherine Allison

A productivity consultant and writer with over a decade of experience in workplace optimization and time management strategies.