A steady rain in the morning. Showers continuing in the afternoon. High 53F. Winds ENE at less than 5 mph, becoming WSW and increasing to 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..
A steady rain in the evening. Showers continuing late. Low around 40F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Updated: October 25, 2025 @ 1:45 am
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New reseearch links certain antidepressants to weight gain or loss and changes in heart rate
Researchers analyzed 58,000 people taking 30 different antidepressants over eight weeks
Experts say doctors should discuss possible side effects with patients before prescribing antidepressants
THURSDAY, Oct. 23, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Antidepressants are widely used to treat depression and anxiety, but a new study finds that some of these medications can cause noticeable changes in weight, heart rate and cholesterol levels.
The study, published Tuesday in The Lancet, analyzed data from more than 58,000 participants to compare 30 different antidepressants or a placebo for an average of eight weeks.
Researchers found what they called “clinically significant” differences in how each medication affected the body’s metabolism and blood flow.
For example, people taking maprotiline gained an average of 4 pounds, while nearly half of users of amitriptyline experienced some weight gain. In contrast, agomelatine was linked to an average weight loss of 5.5 pounds among 55% of participants.
Heart rate changes also differed. Some drugs, like nortriptyline, increased heart rate by about 14 beats per minute, while fluvoxamine caused a decrease of around 8 beats per minute.
Researchers emphasized that while these findings highlight important differences, antidepressants remain effective treatments for depression and anxiety.
The results show the need for personalized prescriptions so that doctors can better match a drug to patient’s health needs.
"We do know that these medications are life-saving and life-changing, but they can have variation from person to person depending on a person's metabolism, their age (and) what other medications they're on," psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma told CBS News after reviewing the findings.
She noted that untreated depression can also cause physical changes like weight gain or loss, so it’s important to “weigh the risks and the benefits” of starting medication.
Varma added that doctors should discuss possible side effects with patients before prescribing antidepressants and regularly monitor for any changes.
"Let's not cause panic, but these medications do have really important side effects," Varma told CBS News.
More information
The Mayo Clinic has more on antidepressants.
SOURCE: CBS News, Oct. 22, 2025
Antidepressants remain safe and effective for most people, but their side effects can vary. Talk to your doctor about which medication best fits your health needs.
Originally published on healthday.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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