Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Like Weight, BP Variations Differ Depending on Medication
- An large new study determined that the adverse reactions of depression drugs differ significantly by drug.
- Certain medications caused weight loss, whereas different drugs led to increased body weight.
- Cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure also differed notably among drugs.
- Individuals encountering persistent, severe, or concerning unwanted effects must discuss with a healthcare professional.
Recent studies has revealed that antidepressant medication adverse reactions may be more extensive than once assumed.
This large-scale investigation, issued on October 21st, assessed the effect of antidepressant drugs on in excess of 58,000 individuals within the initial eight weeks of commencing therapy.
The investigators examined 151 research projects of 30 drugs frequently prescribed to manage depression. While not all individuals develops adverse reactions, some of the most frequent noted in the research were variations in weight, blood pressure, and metabolic indicators.
Researchers observed significant differences among antidepressant medications. For instance, an 60-day regimen of one medication was linked to an mean reduction in body weight of about 2.4 kg (about 5.3 pounds), while maprotiline users added almost 2 kg in the same duration.
Additionally, notable fluctuations in cardiac function: fluvoxamine often would reduce cardiac rhythm, while another medication elevated it, producing a difference of about 21 beats per minute among the two drugs. Blood pressure fluctuated also, with an 11 millimeters of mercury variation noted across one drug and another medication.
Depression Drug Adverse Reactions Include a Broad Array
Healthcare professionals noted that the investigation's results aren't new or surprising to mental health professionals.
"Clinicians have long recognized that distinct antidepressant medications range in their effects on weight, blood pressure, and additional metabolic parameters," one expert commented.
"Nonetheless, what is significant about this investigation is the comprehensive, relative assessment of these differences across a broad range of physiological parameters using data from in excess of 58,000 individuals," this expert added.
This study offers comprehensive evidence of the degree of unwanted effects, some of which are more frequent than others. Typical antidepressant unwanted effects may include:
- digestive issues (sickness, loose stools, constipation)
- sexual problems (reduced sex drive, anorgasmia)
- mass variations (gain or reduction, based on the medication)
- sleep disturbances (insomnia or sedation)
- mouth dryness, moisture, migraine
At the same time, less frequent but medically important adverse reactions may comprise:
- elevations in BP or pulse rate (notably with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and certain tricyclic antidepressants)
- hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and SNRIs)
- increased liver enzymes
- QTc extension (potential of arrhythmia, notably with citalopram and some tricyclics)
- diminished feelings or apathy
"A key factor to consider here is that there are various different categories of depression drugs, which contribute to the different unwanted medication reactions," another expert commented.
"Additionally, depression treatments can affect each patient distinctly, and adverse side effects can range based on the specific pharmaceutical, amount, and patient factors like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."
While several adverse reactions, like changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels, are quite frequent and often enhance as time passes, other effects may be less typical or longer-lasting.
Talk with Your Healthcare Provider Regarding Severe Unwanted Effects
Antidepressant adverse reactions may range in intensity, which could require a modification in your medication.
"A adjustment in antidepressant medication may be warranted if the patient suffers persistent or unbearable adverse reactions that don't get better with time or supportive measures," a professional stated.
"Moreover, if there is an emergence of new medical issues that may be aggravated by the current drug, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, or significant increased body weight."
You may additionally think about talking with your healthcare provider concerning any deficiency of significant progress in low mood or worry signs after an sufficient testing period. An adequate trial period is usually 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment dosage.
Individual choice is furthermore important. Some patients may choose to prevent certain unwanted effects, such as sexual dysfunction or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition
