Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Such as Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Range Depending on Medication
- A extensive recent investigation discovered that the side effects of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals led to weight loss, whereas other medications resulted in increased body weight.
- Heart rate and arterial pressure additionally differed markedly among medications.
- Patients suffering from ongoing, serious, or concerning side effects must speak with a medical provider.
Latest studies has revealed that antidepressant unwanted effects may be more diverse than once assumed.
This extensive study, published on the 21st of October, examined the effect of antidepressant medications on in excess of 58,000 subjects within the beginning two months of starting medication.
These investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to address clinical depression. While not all individuals encounters unwanted effects, some of the most common recorded in the investigation were variations in weight, BP, and metabolic markers.
The study revealed notable disparities across antidepressant drugs. For example, an eight-week course of one medication was associated with an typical reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kg (about 5.3 lbs), while another drug users gained close to 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.
Additionally, notable variations in cardiovascular activity: fluvoxamine was likely to decrease cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a difference of approximately 21 BPM among the two medications. BP differed as well, with an 11 mmHg variation noted between one drug and another medication.
Antidepressant Adverse Reactions Comprise a Wide Array
Medical specialists commented that the research's conclusions are not considered novel or surprising to psychiatrists.
"It has long been understood that distinct antidepressants vary in their impacts on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," one expert commented.
"Nonetheless, what is remarkable about this investigation is the rigorous, relative assessment of these disparities throughout a wide range of physical indicators using findings from over 58,000 participants," this specialist noted.
The study delivers comprehensive evidence of the degree of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant side effects may comprise:
- stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
- intimacy issues (decreased libido, anorgasmia)
- mass variations (gain or loss, according to the agent)
- rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
- mouth dryness, sweating, head pain
At the same time, rarer but clinically significant adverse reactions may include:
- rises in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- low sodium (particularly in senior patients, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc extension (potential of irregular heartbeat, especially with one medication and some tricyclics)
- reduced emotions or apathy
"An important point to remember here is that there are multiple different types of antidepressant medications, which lead to the distinct unwanted pharmaceutical side effects," another professional explained.
"Additionally, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient variably, and negative side effects can differ based on the exact pharmaceutical, dosage, and personal factors such as body chemistry or simultaneous health issues."
Although some adverse reactions, such as changes in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are quite common and frequently improve with time, different reactions may be less frequent or longer-lasting.
Speak with Your Doctor Concerning Severe Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant unwanted effects may range in seriousness, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.
"A modification in depression drug may be appropriate if the patient encounters persistent or intolerable side effects that fail to enhance with passing days or management strategies," one professional stated.
"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of recent medical conditions that may be worsened by the current medication, for example high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or significant weight gain."
You may furthermore contemplate talking with your physician about any deficiency of meaningful improvement in depressive or anxiety-related signs after an adequate testing period. The sufficient evaluation duration is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.
Patient inclination is additionally significant. Some patients may choose to evade certain unwanted effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
