Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Such as Body Weight, BP Changes Differ Depending on Medication
- An extensive latest study discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications differ substantially by drug.
- Certain medications led to decreased mass, while others led to added mass.
- Pulse rate and BP additionally differed significantly across medications.
- Patients suffering from persistent, intense, or worrisome unwanted effects ought to discuss with a physician.
Latest research has discovered that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.
This extensive investigation, issued on the 21st of October, examined the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 participants within the first 60 days of beginning therapy.
The scientists studied 151 studies of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently used to address clinical depression. While not all individuals experiences side effects, several of the most frequent recorded in the research were variations in body weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed significant disparities among depression treatments. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline users increased close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.
There were also, marked changes in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant tended to reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication raised it, creating a disparity of around 21 beats per minute across the both treatments. BP varied too, with an 11 mmHg disparity noted among nortriptyline and doxepin.
Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Encompass a Wide Spectrum
Medical professionals commented that the research's results are not new or unexpected to mental health professionals.
"We've long known that distinct antidepressant medications range in their effects on weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," a specialist stated.
"However, what is remarkable about this investigation is the rigorous, relative measurement of these differences across a wide array of physiological parameters employing findings from more than 58,000 individuals," the professional commented.
The research delivers comprehensive proof of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more frequent than others. Frequent antidepressant medication unwanted effects may comprise:
- digestive issues (nausea, bowel issues, irregularity)
- sexual problems (reduced sex drive, inability to orgasm)
- body weight fluctuations (addition or loss, based on the medication)
- rest issues (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
- dry mouth, sweating, head pain
Meanwhile, less frequent but clinically significant adverse reactions may comprise:
- increases in blood pressure or heart rate (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- liver enzyme elevations
- Corrected QT interval extension (chance of irregular heartbeat, especially with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or apathy
"One thing to remember in this context is that there are various distinct categories of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the varying negative medication reactions," another specialist stated.
"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can influence each patient variably, and adverse effects can differ based on the particular medication, dose, and personal factors like metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."
While certain unwanted effects, such as variations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are quite common and often improve with time, other effects may be less common or more persistent.
Speak with Your Doctor About Serious Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may differ in intensity, which could require a modification in your drug.
"An change in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the patient suffers continuing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with time or supportive measures," a specialist said.
"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new medical conditions that may be worsened by the present treatment, for example elevated BP, irregular heartbeat, or considerable increased body weight."
You may also consider talking with your physician concerning any deficiency of meaningful enhancement in depressive or worry symptoms after an appropriate trial period. An adequate testing period is usually 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic amount.
Personal preference is also important. Certain individuals may prefer to prevent specific unwanted effects, like intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition