Antidepressant Side Effects Such as Weight, BP Fluctuations Range Based on Pharmaceutical

New study provides robust findings of the broad range of antidepressant unwanted effects.
  • An extensive latest investigation discovered that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications differ substantially by drug.
  • Certain drugs resulted in weight loss, while other medications led to added mass.
  • Heart rate and BP also varied markedly across treatments.
  • Those experiencing ongoing, serious, or worrisome side effects must consult a physician.

Recent research has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more extensive than once assumed.

The comprehensive investigation, published on October 21, assessed the effect of antidepressant medications on over 58,000 individuals within the beginning two months of starting treatment.

The investigators analyzed 151 investigations of 30 medications typically used to address depression. While not all individuals experiences unwanted effects, some of the most prevalent recorded in the investigation were variations in weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic indicators.

Researchers observed notable differences among depression treatments. As an illustration, an 60-day regimen of one medication was associated with an mean reduction in body weight of around 2.4 kilograms (roughly 5.3 lbs), while another drug users increased nearly 2 kg in the identical period.

Furthermore, significant changes in heart function: one antidepressant tended to slow pulse rate, in contrast another medication increased it, producing a gap of about 21 heartbeats per minute among the both treatments. BP varied as well, with an 11 mmHg difference observed among one drug and doxepin.

Depression Drug Side Effects Comprise a Broad Range

Healthcare specialists noted that the research's results aren't novel or surprising to psychiatrists.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs range in their influences on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic measures," one professional stated.

"However, what is notable about this investigation is the comprehensive, comparative quantification of these disparities across a wide range of physiological parameters using findings from over 58,000 participants," the specialist added.

The research provides robust proof of the magnitude of adverse reactions, several of which are more common than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant side effects may include:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, loose stools, irregularity)
  • sexual dysfunction (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
  • mass variations (increase or loss, depending on the agent)
  • sleep problems (sleeplessness or drowsiness)
  • oral dehydration, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant side effects may comprise:

  • elevations in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced blood sodium (particularly in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • Corrected QT interval lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, notably with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • reduced emotions or indifference

"A key factor to consider regarding this matter is that there are several varying types of antidepressant medications, which contribute to the varying negative medication side effects," another professional commented.

"Furthermore, antidepressant drugs can affect each person variably, and adverse reactions can differ according to the exact drug, dosage, and patient elements including metabolism or simultaneous health issues."

While certain unwanted effects, including variations in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are quite common and frequently get better over time, other effects may be less common or more persistent.

Consult with Your Physician Regarding Intense Unwanted Effects

Depression drug side effects may vary in intensity, which could justify a modification in your treatment.

"An adjustment in depression drug may be necessary if the individual encounters continuing or intolerable adverse reactions that don't get better with time or supportive measures," a professional commented.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be worsened by the current drug, for instance hypertension, abnormal heart rhythm, or considerable mass addition."

Patients may additionally contemplate speaking with your physician about any absence of significant improvement in low mood or worry signs subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. The adequate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dosage.

Patient inclination is also significant. Some patients may choose to avoid specific side effects, including intimacy issues or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Julie Valdez
Julie Valdez

Tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in emerging technologies and startup ecosystems.