WASHINGTON – A‌ extensive study published in The Lancet has ‌revealed significant variations in ⁣how different antidepressants impact key physiological functions. Researchers analyzed data from over 58,000 individuals participating in a comparative trial of 30⁢ different antidepressant medications against a placebo, spanning an eight-week period.

The study identified notable ‍differences in the effects of these drugs⁤ on blood⁢ flow, metabolism, ​weight, ⁤heart rate, blood ‌pressure, and cholesterol levels. These findings‌ suggest ‍a ⁢more nuanced approach to antidepressant prescription may ‌be warranted.

Weight Fluctuations Observed

Certain antidepressants were linked ​to weight gain, with maprotiline and ‍amitriptyline associated with ‍an average increase of approximately 4​ pounds. Conversely, agomelatine was‌ associated with weight loss in ⁣over ‍half of the​ patients studied, averaging around 5.5 pounds.

Heart Rate Variability

the research also highlighted variations in heart rate‍ responses.‌ Nortriptyline ⁣was found to increase heart‌ rate by roughly 14 beats⁣ per‌ minute, while ⁤fluvoxamine demonstrated a tendency to lower it by approximately 8 beats per minute.

Organ Function‌ Largely Unaffected

Importantly,the study indicated ‌that most‍ antidepressants did not substantially impact kidney or liver function,electrolyte⁤ balance,or heart rhythm.

“It might potentially be that‌ one medication,⁢ which is pretty bad for one person, actually⁢ is pretty ​good for another one. I think that is‌ the⁣ message, rather than naming and shaming certain drugs,”

Toby Pillinger, lead⁢ author of the study

Implications for Treatment

Researchers emphasize that⁣ individuals currently taking antidepressants should not⁣ discontinue their medication. ​However, they ‌advocate for a​ more personalized⁣ approach to treatment, where doctors carefully ​consider a patient’s individual health profile when selecting an‍ antidepressant.