Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Weight, BP Changes Differ Depending on Medication
- A large new research determined that the adverse reactions of antidepressants vary substantially by drug.
- Certain medications resulted in reduced body weight, whereas others led to weight gain.
- Pulse rate and blood pressure also diverged significantly between treatments.
- Those experiencing persistent, intense, or worrisome side effects must discuss with a physician.
New studies has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more extensive than earlier believed.
This extensive research, issued on the 21st of October, analyzed the impact of depression treatments on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of beginning medication.
The investigators studied 151 research projects of 30 drugs commonly employed to treat major depression. Although not every patient encounters adverse reactions, certain of the most frequent recorded in the investigation were changes in body weight, BP, and metabolic parameters.
Researchers observed significant variations among depression treatments. For instance, an eight-week regimen of agomelatine was linked to an typical weight loss of around 2.4 kilos (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas another drug users increased almost 2 kg in the equivalent timeframe.
Furthermore, notable variations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would reduce cardiac rhythm, in contrast another medication elevated it, creating a difference of approximately 21 beats per minute between the two medications. BP differed too, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation seen between one drug and doxepin.
Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Encompass a Broad Array
Healthcare specialists commented that the investigation's conclusions are not new or surprising to psychiatric specialists.
"Clinicians have long recognized that different depression drugs range in their impacts on weight, BP, and other metabolic indicators," one specialist explained.
"However, what is notable about this research is the rigorous, relative quantification of these differences across a broad spectrum of bodily measurements utilizing findings from in excess of 58,000 subjects," the specialist commented.
The study delivers strong evidence of the magnitude of adverse reactions, some of which are more common than different reactions. Typical antidepressant adverse reactions may include:
- gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, diarrhea, constipation)
- intimacy issues (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
- mass variations (addition or reduction, based on the medication)
- sleep problems (inability to sleep or sleepiness)
- oral dehydration, sweating, head pain
Additionally, rarer but therapeutically relevant side effects may include:
- increases in BP or heart rate (particularly with SNRIs and some tricyclics)
- reduced blood sodium (notably in senior patients, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- Corrected QT interval lengthening (risk of abnormal heart rhythm, especially with one medication and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- emotional blunting or lack of interest
"An important point to consider regarding this matter is that there are several varying types of depression drugs, which contribute to the varying unwanted pharmaceutical reactions," another specialist commented.
"Additionally, antidepressant medications can influence each patient distinctly, and negative side effects can differ depending on the specific drug, dosage, and individual factors like body chemistry or comorbidities."
Although several adverse reactions, such as variations in rest, appetite, or energy levels, are reasonably typical and frequently enhance over time, others may be less common or more persistent.
Speak with Your Physician Regarding Intense Adverse Reactions
Antidepressant medication unwanted effects may vary in seriousness, which could require a adjustment in your treatment.
"An modification in antidepressant medication may be appropriate if the individual suffers persistent or unacceptable unwanted effects that don't get better with passing days or supportive care," a specialist said.
"Additionally, if there is an emergence of recently developed medical issues that may be aggravated by the current medication, such as elevated BP, abnormal heart rhythm, or significant mass addition."
Individuals may also contemplate talking with your doctor concerning any lack of meaningful improvement in low mood or anxiety signs after an sufficient testing period. The sufficient trial period is generally 4–8 weeks duration at a treatment dosage.
Patient inclination is also crucial. Certain individuals may prefer to avoid certain adverse reactions, including sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
