Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Weight, BP Changes Vary by Drug

• An comprehensive latest investigation found that the adverse reactions of antidepressants differ considerably by drug.
• Certain drugs led to weight loss, while others resulted in weight gain.
• Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also differed notably among drugs.
• Individuals experiencing continuing, intense, or worrisome side effects must consult a healthcare professional.

New studies has revealed that antidepressant medication side effects may be more diverse than once assumed.

The comprehensive investigation, published on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 participants within the first two months of starting therapy.

These scientists studied 151 studies of 30 drugs commonly employed to manage depression. Although not every patient experiences side effects, several of the most prevalent recorded in the study were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed notable differences across antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week course of agomelatine was linked to an average decrease in mass of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent period.

Furthermore, marked variations in heart function: one antidepressant was likely to decrease heart rate, while another medication increased it, producing a difference of around 21 heartbeats per minute among the two drugs. Blood pressure fluctuated as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted between one drug and another medication.

Healthcare professionals commented that the study's results are not considered recent or startling to mental health professionals.

"It has long been understood that distinct depression drugs range in their effects on weight, BP, and further metabolic parameters," one expert commented.

"Nevertheless, what is significant about this study is the thorough, relative measurement of these disparities across a broad array of bodily measurements utilizing information from more than 58,000 participants," the expert noted.

This research provides robust evidence of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Frequent antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

• stomach problems (queasiness, loose stools, irregularity)
• sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, anorgasmia)
• mass variations (increase or reduction, depending on the agent)
• rest issues (inability to sleep or sedation)
• dry mouth, moisture, head pain

Meanwhile, less common but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:

• increases in arterial pressure or cardiac rhythm (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• low sodium (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
• elevated hepatic parameters
• Corrected QT interval extension (risk of irregular heartbeat, notably with one medication and some tricyclic antidepressants)
• diminished feelings or lack of interest

"A key factor to remember here is that there are various different classes of depression drugs, which contribute to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical effects," another specialist explained.

"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each person variably, and unwanted effects can differ according to the exact medication, amount, and personal elements including body chemistry or comorbidities."

While some adverse reactions, such as variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably frequent and often get better with time, different reactions may be less frequent or continuing.

Antidepressant side effects may range in severity, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.

"An change in depression drug may be warranted if the person experiences continuing or unacceptable side effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive measures," a specialist stated.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the current treatment, for instance hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."

You may also contemplate talking with your healthcare provider about any lack of significant improvement in low mood or worry signs following an sufficient evaluation duration. An adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks at a therapeutic amount.

Individual preference is furthermore important. Some patients may choose to evade particular unwanted effects, like sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition