Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Weight, Blood Pressure Variations Vary by Drug
- A large latest research discovered that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ significantly by drug.
- Some pharmaceuticals caused weight loss, whereas others resulted in weight gain.
- Heart rate and blood pressure also differed significantly across treatments.
- Patients experiencing persistent, intense, or concerning side effects must consult a medical provider.
Latest studies has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more extensive than previously thought.
The comprehensive research, issued on the 21st of October, assessed the effect of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the beginning 60 days of beginning medication.
The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 drugs typically used to address clinical depression. Although not all individuals encounters adverse reactions, some of the most prevalent recorded in the research were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
The study revealed notable variations across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an average weight loss of about 2.4 kilograms (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals added nearly 2 kg in the equivalent period.
There were also, marked variations in cardiovascular activity: one antidepressant was likely to reduce pulse rate, whereas another medication increased it, creating a gap of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute between the both treatments. BP differed as well, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted among nortriptyline and another medication.
Antidepressant Side Effects Comprise a Wide Array
Healthcare professionals observed that the study's results are not considered new or startling to psychiatrists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that various antidepressant medications differ in their effects on body weight, arterial pressure, and other metabolic indicators," a professional commented.
"However, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative assessment of these variations among a wide array of physical indicators utilizing data from in excess of 58,000 participants," this expert commented.
The study provides robust proof of the extent of unwanted effects, several of which are more prevalent than different reactions. Typical depression drug side effects may include:
- stomach problems (sickness, bowel issues, irregularity)
- sexual dysfunction (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
- weight changes (gain or reduction, according to the agent)
- sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
- mouth dryness, sweating, migraine
Additionally, rarer but medically important adverse reactions may encompass:
- rises in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and certain tricyclics)
- low sodium (especially in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (potential of arrhythmia, particularly with one medication and some tricyclics)
- diminished feelings or indifference
"A key factor to note regarding this matter is that there are various different types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the varying unwanted drug reactions," another specialist explained.
"Furthermore, antidepressant medications can impact each patient distinctly, and unwanted reactions can differ depending on the exact medication, dosage, and personal elements such as metabolic rate or comorbidities."
While some side effects, including changes in rest, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably typical and commonly enhance as time passes, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.
Talk with Your Physician Regarding Intense Side Effects
Depression drug unwanted effects may vary in intensity, which could justify a adjustment in your drug.
"A modification in antidepressant medication may be necessary if the person suffers ongoing or unacceptable adverse reactions that don't get better with time or supportive measures," a expert commented.
"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be worsened by the present medication, for example high blood pressure, arrhythmia, or substantial weight gain."
Individuals may also consider speaking with your healthcare provider regarding any deficiency of significant enhancement in depressive or worry signs following an sufficient testing period. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dose.
Patient choice is furthermore significant. Some people may prefer to prevent particular unwanted effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
