A new Lancet study of more than 58,000 participants compared 30 antidepressants with placebo over eight weeks, finding clinically significant differences in effects on weight, heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol. Maprotiline and amitriptyline were linked to weight gain (about 4 pounds with maprotiline), while agomelatine was tied to weight loss in 55% of patients (about 5.5 pounds). Nortriptyline increased heart rate by roughly 14 bpm; fluvoxamine lowered it by about 8. Kidney and liver function, electrolytes and heart rhythm were mostly unaffected. Experts urged personalized prescribing and monitoring, stressing antidepressants remain effective yet carry meaningful side effects.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.