What lesson did you get?
The researchers found that some antidepressants were more likely to cause weight gain and heart changes than others. For example, older drugs such as amitriptyline and mirtazapine were associated with higher risks of these side effects, while newer drugs such as sertraline and fluoxetine tend to have a positive profile.
This does not mean that one drug is “better” than another – it means that side effects should be part of the discussion when choosing a treatment.
For some people, the drug that causes weight gain can be controlled. For some, especially those with heart conditions or diabetes, it can be too much of a concern.
| Medicine | Possible side effects |
| Amitriptyline | It can cause weight gain, dry mouth, drowsiness, and constipation |
| Mirtazapine | Risk of weight gain, increased appetite, and miscarriage |
| Sulafaxine | It can cause increased blood pressure, sweating, and nausea |
| DuloXetine | Sweating, dry mouth, and constipation |
| It’s setting up | Mild weight gain, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction |
| Fluoxetine | Insomnia, nausea, and sexual dysfunction |
| Beans | Weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and layoffs |
| Citalcam | Nausea, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction |
| ESCORALPRAM | Similar to CitalVopram: nausea, headache, and sexual dysfunction |
| The whistle | Insomnia, dry mouth, and possible risk of seizures when high doses are used. |
| Trazodone | Sedation, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing) |
| Nortriptyline | Dry mouth, constipation, and weight gain |
| Memphamine | Weight gain, constipation, and heart rate and rhythm |
What do these side effects mean?
- Weight Gain: It can affect self-esteem and physical health, especially for people with diabetes or heart disease.
- Sexual dysfunction: Includes reduced libido or difficulty achieving orgasm, which can affect relationships.
- To put you to sleep: Feeling overly sleepy or lethargic, which can interfere with daily activities.
- Dry mouth and constipation: Common with older adults, this can be uncomfortable and affect quality of life.
- BOOLU PREEST changes: It is important to be careful, especially for people with heart conditions.
It is important to note that these side effects are only temporary and will not affect everyone.
The research is accepted by experts in the field.
Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:
“We know that more than 7 million older people have depression in England alone and that major depression can damage people’s lives if left untreated.
“Psychiatrists play an important role in the treatment of severe depression and are particularly effective when used in combination with talk therapy.
“Like all drugs, antidepressants have side effects, and we very much welcome this research that helps to develop a different understanding of the appropriate needs of their needs.
What’s next?
The Petrushka case is part of a growing movement through mental health research to make treatments more tailored and transparent. By understanding how different drugs affect the body, doctors can help patients make informed decisions and hopefully improve mental and physical health outcomes.
The recently published research (funded by Wellcome and supported by MQ) is the next step after Petrushka. This project aims to add genetic predictors to a relationship-based web tool, to help patients and doctors choose the best treatment for depression together.
Andrea CIPRIANI leads the Galenos research, also supported by MQ, which aims to review published evidence and data to answer specific questions about depression, anxiety and psychosis.
If you are currently taking antidepressants and have concerns about side effects, it is important to talk to your doctor. This study does not recommend medication, but emphasizes the need for open discussions and individualized care.
