The findings revealed significant differences in side effects among medications, with some causing up to a 2 kg weight gain or altering heart rates by as much as 21 beats per minute. Approximately eight million people in the UK are on antidepressants.
Researchers emphasized that these varying side effects could influence patient health and adherence to prescriptions. They recommend personalizing antidepressant choices to align with individual health needs. Prof. Oliver Howes pointed out that even small changes in side effects could have substantial effects on public health.
The analysis included 151 studies on 30 commonly prescribed antidepressants, involving over 58,500 patients. Agomelatine, for example, was linked to a 2.4 kg weight loss, while maprotiline was associated with nearly 2 kg gain. Fluvoxamine slowed the heart rate, whereas nortriptyline increased it. Additionally, there was an 11 mmHg difference in blood pressure between nortriptyline and doxepin.
The study highlights that different antidepressants have distinct effects, which can be clinically significant. For instance, patients with the same diagnosis may require different medications based on personal health concerns, such as avoiding weight gain or managing blood pressure.
The researchers advocate for personalized treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. They are also developing a tool to assist healthcare providers and patients in selecting appropriate medications.
Overall, the study calls for a shift in prescribing practices to enhance treatment efficacy and safety, while recognizing that not all antidepressants can be classified as simply “good” or “bad.”
