Antidepressant Medication Adverse Reactions Like Weight, BP Changes Differ by Drug

New investigation provides robust proof of the wide spectrum of antidepressant medication unwanted effects.
  • A comprehensive new investigation determined that the unwanted effects of antidepressants vary considerably by drug.
  • Certain drugs led to weight loss, whereas other medications resulted in increased body weight.
  • Cardiac rhythm and blood pressure also differed markedly between drugs.
  • Those experiencing ongoing, serious, or troubling side effects should discuss with a medical provider.

New research has discovered that antidepressant adverse reactions may be more extensive than previously thought.

This extensive investigation, released on October 21st, analyzed the influence of depression treatments on over 58,000 individuals within the first 60 days of starting therapy.

These researchers analyzed 151 research projects of 30 pharmaceuticals commonly used to treat depression. Although not all individuals encounters adverse reactions, some of the most frequent noted in the study were changes in body weight, arterial pressure, and metabolic parameters.

The study revealed striking disparities between antidepressant medications. For instance, an two-month regimen of one medication was connected with an typical reduction in body weight of approximately 2.4 kg (approximately 5.3 pounds), whereas maprotiline individuals added almost 2 kg in the same period.

Furthermore, notable changes in heart function: one antidepressant tended to slow heart rate, while nortriptyline elevated it, causing a disparity of approximately 21 heartbeats per minute between the two drugs. BP differed also, with an 11 mmHg variation seen among nortriptyline and doxepin.

Antidepressant Medication Unwanted Effects Comprise a Extensive Range

Healthcare professionals noted that the study's conclusions are not novel or surprising to psychiatric specialists.

"We've long known that different antidepressant medications vary in their influences on weight, BP, and further metabolic indicators," one expert stated.

"However, what is notable about this study is the comprehensive, comparison-based measurement of these disparities across a extensive spectrum of physiological parameters utilizing information from in excess of 58,000 subjects," this expert noted.

This investigation delivers comprehensive evidence of the extent of unwanted effects, certain of which are more frequent than different reactions. Common antidepressant side effects may encompass:

  • gastrointestinal symptoms (queasiness, bowel issues, blockage)
  • sexual problems (lowered desire, inability to orgasm)
  • body weight fluctuations (addition or decrease, according to the medication)
  • sleep disturbances (insomnia or drowsiness)
  • oral dehydration, sweating, head pain

Additionally, less frequent but therapeutically relevant unwanted effects may comprise:

  • increases in BP or cardiac rhythm (especially with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and some tricyclic antidepressants)
  • hyponatremia (notably in older adults, with SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
  • increased liver enzymes
  • QTc lengthening (chance of arrhythmia, particularly with citalopram and some tricyclics)
  • emotional blunting or apathy

"An important point to remember regarding this matter is that there are several different types of antidepressant medications, which result in the different adverse pharmaceutical side effects," another professional commented.

"Moreover, antidepressant drugs can affect each patient differently, and negative reactions can range depending on the specific pharmaceutical, amount, and personal considerations like metabolic rate or co-occurring conditions."

Although several adverse reactions, like fluctuations in sleep, appetite, or stamina, are quite frequent and often get better with time, other effects may be less typical or continuing.

Consult with Your Physician Concerning Intense Unwanted Effects

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

"An change in depression drug may be appropriate if the individual encounters ongoing or unbearable unwanted effects that fail to enhance with time or supportive care," one professional stated.

"Furthermore, if there is an development of recent health problems that may be exacerbated by the present medication, for instance elevated BP, arrhythmia, or significant mass addition."

Individuals may also consider speaking with your physician about any absence of significant enhancement in depressive or anxiety symptoms subsequent to an sufficient trial period. An appropriate evaluation duration is generally 4–8 weeks' time at a treatment amount.

Individual inclination is additionally important. Some patients may want to prevent specific side effects, including sexual problems or {weight gain|increased body weight|mass addition

Angel Fernandez
Angel Fernandez

Award-winning journalist with a decade of experience covering UK affairs and global events.