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Study Ranks Antidepressants by Side Effects: Weight, Heart Rate

10/22/2025

Summary

Researchers Rank Antidepressant Effects

A study by researchers from King's College London and the University of Oxford ranks antidepressant side effects for the first time and uses data from 151 studies.
The analysis shows differences in weight, heart rate, and blood pressure across medications.
For example, agomelatine links to 2.4 kg weight loss and maprotiline to nearly 2 kg gain.
The findings support personalized prescribing and call for updated guidelines to reflect these differences.

Summary

Researchers Evaluate Antidepressants

A new league table on antidepressant side effects shows that labeling them as simply 'good' or 'bad' is misleading.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as citalopram and sertraline generally have fewer side effects.
Amitriptyline may cause weight gain but is effective for pain relief.
Fluoxetine is linked to weight loss and increased blood pressure.
Researchers are developing an online tool to help select antidepressants for the NHS.

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Researchers Rank Antidepressant Effects

A study by researchers from King's College London and the University of Oxford ranks antidepressant side effects for the first time and uses data from 151 studies.
The analysis shows differences in weight, heart rate, and blood pressure across medications.
For example, agomelatine links to 2.4 kg weight loss and maprotiline to nearly 2 kg gain.
The findings support personalized prescribing and call for updated guidelines to reflect these differences.

1 / 2