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Millions of people take antidepressants every day in the UK(Image: GettyImages)<\/p>\nResearch shows that antidepressants can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and weight, with some patients reportedly gaining nearly 5lbs almost ‘instantly’Millions of people take antidepressants every day in the UK(Image: GettyImages)<\/p>\n
A new review finds that people starting certain antidepressants may gain up to 2kg (4.5lbs) in the first two months, while others could lose around 2.5kg (5.5lbs). Researchers aimed to rank antidepressants<\/a> according to various known side effects observed during the first eight weeks of treatment.<\/p>\n The study, conducted by researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London<\/a>, analysed data from 58,534 participants across more than 150 studies that compared 30 different antidepressants with a dummy drug, known as a placebo.<\/p>\n The researchers observed the most significant differences in weight changes, heart rate and blood pressure<\/a>. Published in The Lancet, the study’s authors said the findings should “empower” patients, while also advising them to consult a doctor if they have any concerns, the Mirror<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n In 2024\/25, around 92.6 million antidepressant prescriptions were issued to an estimated 8.89 million patients in England. NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) data indicate that sertraline, also known as Lustral, was prescribed to roughly 2.9 million patients last year.<\/p>\n Sertraline was associated with an average weight loss of 0.76kg and a reduction in heart rate of about two beats per minute, though it also showed slight increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The NHSBSA data also reveal that amitriptyline was prescribed to 2.2 million patients in England during the same period.<\/p>\n Amitriptyline was associated with an average weight gain of 1.6kg, an increase in heart rate of nine beats per minute, and rises in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It belongs to a class of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. These are generally not recommended as a first-line treatment for depression, as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises doctors to try selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline, initially.<\/p>\n In addition to treating low mood and depression, amitriptyline is sometimes prescribed for pain relief and migraine prevention. Last year, around 1.4 million people in England were prescribed citalopram, another SSRI.<\/p>\n Researchers found that citalopram was associated with an average weight loss of 0.65kg. Patients also experienced, on average, reductions in heart rate and systolic blood pressure, along with a slight increase in diastolic blood pressure.<\/p>\n Overall, researchers found that there was an \u201capproximate 4kg difference in weight change\u201d depending on which drugs patients were prescribed \u2013 with those given agomelatine losing an average of 2.44kg while those given maprotiline \u2013 which is not usually prescribed to people in the UK, putting on an average of 1.82kg.<\/p>\n Regarding heart rate, the researchers found an “over 21 beats-per-minute difference in heart rate change” between fluvoxamine, which lowered heart rate by eight beats per minute, and nortriptyline, which raised it by an average of 13.8 beats per minute. They also noted that each 1kg of weight gain can increase a patient’s risk of heart problems.<\/p>\n Elevated blood pressure can also raise a person\u2019s risk of stroke. However, the researchers noted a key limitation of the study: it only examined the first eight weeks of treatment. They emphasised that further research is needed to understand the longer-term side effects of these medications.<\/p>\n Senior author of the study Dr Toby Pillinger, an academic clinical lecturer at King’s loPPPN and consultant psychiatrist, stated: “Antidepressants are among the most widely used medicines in the world.<\/p>\n “While many people benefit from them, these drugs are not identical \u2013 some can lead to meaningful changes in weight, heart rate, and blood pressure in a relatively short period. Our findings show that SSRIs, which are the most prescribed type of antidepressant, tend to have fewer physical side-effects, which is reassuring. But for others, closer physical health monitoring may be warranted.<\/p>\n “The aim isn\u2019t to deter use, but to empower patients and clinicians to make informed choices and to encourage personalised care.”<\/p>\n While study author Andrea Cipriani, professor of psychiatry at the University of Oxford, stated: “Most clinical decisions \u2013 especially in mental health \u2013 are still made by physicians with little input from patients. Our results emphasise the importance of shared decision making, the collaborative process through which patients are supported by the clinicians to reach a decision about their treatment, bringing together their preferences, personal circumstances, goals, values and beliefs.<\/p>\n \u201cThis should be the way forward in the NHS and globally.\u201d<\/p>\n Regarding the study, Rosie Weatherly, information content manager at the mental health charity Mind, expressed: “It\u2019s so important that people receive mental health support and treatment that considers their individual needs and preferences. As this study highlights, antidepressants vary in their side effects and health professionals need to carefully consider the benefits and risks of different medications for different people.<\/p>\n “If you\u2019re already taking medication and you\u2019re worried about its side effects, it\u2019s always OK to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. It\u2019s important not to stop taking any medication without advice from a health professional about how to do this safely.”<\/p>\n Professor Azeem Majeed, chairman of primary care and public health at Imperial College London, said: \u201cFor patients and clinicians, the results underscore the need for routine physical health checks in those treated with antidepressants.<\/p>\n \u201cMoreover, awareness of these side effects is essential to support shared decision-making about the risks and benefits of treatment with antidepressants.\u201d<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1_gettyimages-2149590312-612x612.jpg\")
The pills have been linked to changes in weight and blood pressure(Image: Jaap Arriens\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2_GettyImages-1822348076.jpg\")
The medication is also taken for migraines and other conditions(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1_A-pile-of-pills-in-blister-packs.jpg\")
The pills can change your heart rate(Image: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758085594_118_0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
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