By A new study published in The Lancet has found that antidepressant medications, commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, can produce varying effects on the body — depending on the type of drug taken.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 58,000 participants who were treated with one of 30 different antidepressants or a placebo for an average of eight weeks. The findings showed “clinically significant” differences in how these drugs impact metabolism, blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol levels.
Some Antidepressants Linked to Weight Gain or Loss
The study revealed that more than half of the participants experienced weight gain with certain antidepressants. For example, maprotiline and amitriptyline were associated with an average increase of around 4 pounds.
Conversely, some antidepressants appeared to have the opposite effect. About 55% of patients taking agomelatine reported losing weight, with an average drop of roughly 5.5 pounds during the study period.
Effects on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
Antidepressants were also found to influence cardiovascular function. The medication nortriptyline increased heart rate by an average of 14 beats per minute, while fluvoxamine caused a decrease of about 8 beats per minute.
However, most antidepressants did not significantly affect heart rhythm, electrolyte balance, or kidney and liver function, according to the study.
Experts Emphasize Individualized Treatment
The researchers stressed that these results should not deter patients from taking antidepressants, which remain highly effective for many individuals. Instead, the findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment, where doctors consider each patient’s overall health, metabolism, and potential side effects before prescribing medication.
Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist who was not involved in the study, told CBS Mornings Plus that while antidepressants are “life-saving and life-changing,” their effects can vary widely between individuals. “Differences in metabolism, age, and other medications a person is taking can all influence how antidepressants work,” she explained.
Dr. Varma also emphasized the need to weigh the benefits and potential risks of antidepressant therapy. “Untreated depression itself can lead to weight changes, high cholesterol, and other physical health problems,” she said.
Monitoring and Lifestyle Changes Are Key
Experts recommend that doctors carefully monitor patients for side effects, especially those with existing conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol. Lifestyle interventions — such as balanced nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep — can also help manage some of the physical effects linked to antidepressant use.
“Let’s not create panic,” Dr. Varma added. “These medications are vital, but they do come with important side effects that patients and doctors should discuss openly.”
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