Notable variations between different medications were found in weight gain or loss, heart rate and blood pressure
People taking certain types of antidepressants can gain up to 2kg (4.5lbs) in weight within the first two months of treatment, while patients taking other drugs can lose the equivalent or more, according to a major review of potential side-effects.
The research, led by academics at King’s College London and the University of Oxford, found that while some antidepressants can cause notable changes in body weight, heart rate and blood pressure, others do not cause such physical changes.
Researchers are calling for antidepressant treatment guidelines to be updated to reflect these findings.
Antidepressants are medications that can help with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, and are recommended for up to two years of use in most cases.
