Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Weight, Blood Pressure Fluctuations Range by Drug

Latest investigation provides strong findings of the wide array of antidepressant adverse reactions.
  • A extensive recent study found that the unwanted effects of depression drugs differ substantially by drug.
  • Some medications caused reduced body weight, whereas different drugs led to weight gain.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure additionally varied markedly between treatments.
  • Those experiencing ongoing, intense, or worrisome side effects should consult a physician.

Latest studies has found that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more extensive than once assumed.

This comprehensive investigation, published on October 21st, assessed the effect of antidepressant drugs on over 58,000 individuals within the beginning eight weeks of commencing therapy.

The scientists studied 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed to treat major depression. While not every patient develops adverse reactions, several of the most common recorded in the investigation were changes in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed striking differences between antidepressant medications. For instance, an eight-week treatment period of agomelatine was associated with an mean decrease in mass of approximately 2.4 kilos (roughly 5.3 lbs), whereas another drug patients increased nearly 2 kg in the same duration.

Additionally, notable changes in cardiac function: fluvoxamine tended to slow cardiac rhythm, in contrast nortriptyline raised it, producing a disparity of around 21 heartbeats per minute across the two drugs. Blood pressure fluctuated too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury difference seen between nortriptyline and another medication.

Depression Drug Unwanted Effects Include a Extensive Array

Healthcare specialists observed that the research's conclusions aren't recent or startling to mental health professionals.

"Clinicians have long recognized that different antidepressants range in their impacts on body weight, BP, and additional metabolic parameters," one expert commented.

"However, what is notable about this investigation is the rigorous, comparison-based measurement of these variations throughout a extensive array of physiological parameters employing information from over 58,000 participants," the professional commented.

This research delivers strong support of the magnitude of side effects, some of which are more prevalent than other effects. Typical antidepressant medication side effects may encompass:

  • stomach problems (sickness, diarrhea, constipation)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, orgasmic dysfunction)
  • weight changes (gain or decrease, depending on the medication)
  • rest issues (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
  • dry mouth, sweating, headache

Meanwhile, less common but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may include:

  • elevations in arterial pressure or heart rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • low sodium (especially in senior patients, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • liver enzyme elevations
  • Corrected QT interval prolongation (chance of abnormal heart rhythm, notably with citalopram and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
  • emotional blunting or indifference

"A key factor to note in this context is that there are several distinct categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the different adverse medication side effects," a different specialist stated.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect every individual variably, and unwanted reactions can vary according to the particular pharmaceutical, amount, and personal factors including metabolism or co-occurring conditions."

While certain side effects, like changes in sleep, hunger, or stamina, are reasonably common and commonly improve over time, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.

Talk with Your Physician Regarding Serious Adverse Reactions

Antidepressant medication adverse reactions may range in severity, which could require a modification in your treatment.

"An change in depression drug may be warranted if the individual encounters ongoing or unbearable side effects that fail to enhance with duration or supportive care," one professional said.

"Additionally, if there is an appearance of new health problems that may be aggravated by the existing drug, for instance high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."

Individuals may also consider speaking with your doctor regarding any lack of significant enhancement in low mood or anxiety-related signs subsequent to an appropriate trial period. An sufficient trial period is typically 4–8 weeks' time at a therapeutic dose.

Individual preference is additionally significant. Certain individuals may want to prevent specific side effects, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

William Cochran
William Cochran

Audiologist and tinnitus specialist with over 15 years of experience, dedicated to helping patients find relief through evidence-based approaches.