"New League Table Reveals Complex Side Effects of Antidepressants"

A new study reveals that the effects of antidepressants like amitriptyline are complex, impacting factors such as weight gain, heart rate, and blood pressure, challenging simplistic views on their efficacy.

• Research from Kings College London published in The Lancet indicates that while antidepressant amitriptyline can cause weight gain, it also effectively alleviates symptoms of depression (mood).
• The study found that SSRIs, including paroxetine and sertraline, generally result in fewer side effects compared to older medications, specifically regarding heart rate and blood pressure.
• Interestingly, fluoxetine, an SSRI also known as Prozac, was linked to weight loss and increased blood pressure, showcasing the diverse effects of different medications.