A new UK study has revealed significant differences in the side effects of various antidepressants, including weight gain or loss, changes in heart rate, and blood pressure.
The research, led by King’s College London and the University of Oxford, found that patients taking certain antidepressants could gain up to 2kg (4.5lbs) within the first two months of treatment, while others could experience a similar amount of weight loss. These differences highlight the need for updated antidepressant treatment guidelines.
The study, which analyzed data from 151 clinical trials involving over 58,000 participants, examined the physical side effects of 30 different antidepressants. Despite most trials lasting only eight weeks, the results showed a wide variation in side effects. For instance, patients on agomelatine experienced an average weight loss of 2.5kg, while those on maprotiline gained around 2kg. In fact, nearly half of those on maprotiline or amitriptyline gained weight, while more than half of those on agomelatine lost weight.
The study also found significant differences in heart rate and blood pressure. For example, there was a 21-beat per minute difference between people taking fluvoxamine and nortriptyline, and an 11 mmHg difference in blood pressure between nortriptyline and doxepin.
Dr. Toby Pillinger, a clinical lecturer at King’s College London, emphasized that while antidepressants are commonly prescribed, they are not all the same. “Some can cause meaningful physical changes in a short period. Our findings highlight the need for closer monitoring for certain drugs,” he said, adding that SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) tend to have fewer physical side effects.
Professor Andrea Cipriani of the University of Oxford stressed the importance of shared decision-making between patients and clinicians. This process, which considers the patient’s preferences, values, and goals, is crucial to ensuring the best treatment choices.
