Antidepressant Side Effects May Have Larger Impact Than Previously Understood, New Research Suggests
PARIS – A new study indicates that the long-term physiological effects of antidepressants may be more significant than previously believed, prompting calls for more personalized treatment approaches and increased patient monitoring. While the research focused on short-term impacts, authors suggest extended antidepressant use – common in depression treatment – could yield more substantial effects on overall health.
The study highlights a need to move beyond solely evaluating antidepressant effectiveness, advocating for consideration of a patient’s metabolic profile when selecting medication. Factors like existing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension should influence the choice, favoring antidepressants wiht a neutral impact on weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure for those patients.Conversely, individuals with low weight or hypotension may benefit from different options, tailored to their specific needs and priorities.
Notably, the research acknowledges limitations in current studies regarding the systematic collection of data on side effects like those impacting sexuality or libido.
To aid in personalized treatment decisions, the study’s authors have developed a free online tool, the Psymatik Treatment Optimizer, available at https://www.psymatik.com/accounts/login/?next=/se_balance/%3Fp%3Dantidepressant. The tool allows doctors and patients to prioritize desired side effect avoidance and generates a personalized ranking of antidepressants based on those preferences.
The goal, researchers state, is to improve the alignment between medication and individual patient needs, fostering collaborative decision-making for optimal physical and mental well-being.
