Depression Drug Side Effects Including Weight, Blood Pressure Changes Range Based on Pharmaceutical

New research offers comprehensive findings of the wide array of depression treatment side effects.
  • A comprehensive latest investigation determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressant medications range substantially by drug.
  • Some medications resulted in weight loss, while different drugs resulted in added mass.
  • Cardiac rhythm and BP furthermore varied markedly between drugs.
  • Patients encountering continuing, intense, or concerning side effects must discuss with a medical provider.

New investigations has revealed that depression drug unwanted effects may be more diverse than previously thought.

The large-scale study, issued on the 21st of October, examined the influence of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of commencing treatment.

The scientists examined 151 investigations of 30 pharmaceuticals frequently employed to manage major depression. Although not all individuals encounters side effects, several of the most prevalent noted in the investigation were changes in weight, BP, and metabolic indicators.

There were significant disparities across antidepressant medications. As an illustration, an eight-week treatment period of one medication was associated with an average decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilograms (about 5.3 lbs), whereas maprotiline patients gained close to 2 kg in the same timeframe.

Furthermore, significant variations in cardiac function: one antidepressant often would decrease cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline elevated it, producing a gap of approximately 21 beats per minute between the both treatments. Arterial pressure varied also, with an 11 mmHg difference noted among one drug and another medication.

Depression Drug Side Effects Comprise a Broad Range

Healthcare experts noted that the investigation's results are not recent or startling to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that various depression drugs vary in their impacts on weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," a professional explained.

"Nonetheless, what is significant about this study is the rigorous, comparative measurement of these disparities among a wide range of physiological parameters using data from over 58,000 participants," this professional commented.

The research provides robust evidence of the degree of adverse reactions, some of which are more frequent than different reactions. Frequent antidepressant medication unwanted effects may comprise:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (sickness, diarrhea, irregularity)
  • intimacy issues (decreased libido, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • weight changes (addition or decrease, depending on the medication)
  • sleep disturbances (inability to sleep or sedation)
  • oral dehydration, perspiration, migraine

Additionally, less frequent but medically important unwanted effects may encompass:

  • increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with SNRIs and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (notably in elderly individuals, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • QTc extension (risk of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
  • emotional blunting or indifference

"An important point to remember in this context is that there are various different types of antidepressants, which contribute to the distinct negative drug side effects," a different expert stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each person differently, and adverse effects can vary based on the exact pharmaceutical, dose, and individual considerations such as metabolic rate or simultaneous health issues."

Although certain side effects, such as fluctuations in rest, appetite, or stamina, are reasonably typical and commonly get better with time, other effects may be less common or longer-lasting.

Consult with Your Doctor Regarding Serious Side Effects

Antidepressant adverse reactions may vary in severity, which could require a change in your medication.

"An change in depression drug may be warranted if the individual experiences persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that do not improve with passing days or supportive care," one professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an appearance of new medical conditions that may be aggravated by the current medication, such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or considerable increased body weight."

Individuals may additionally consider consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any absence of significant improvement in depression-related or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an sufficient evaluation duration. The adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.

Individual preference is also significant. Certain individuals may prefer to prevent certain adverse reactions, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Justin Hart
Justin Hart

A passionate sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering local and international events in Rome.