October 21, 2025

Physical side effects of antidepressants – a systematic review and network meta-analysis

In the UK, between 15-20% of adults are prescribed antidepressants. While we have good comparative data on efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of mood, sleep and pain disorders, the physiological changes are less well studied but remain an important factor in the patient experience and physical health.

Researchers have conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 30 different antidepressants – including the commonly used SSRIs – to assess physical side effects of these drugs including weight gain, blood pressure and heart rate. The study comprises data from over 58,000 participants. Journalists came to the SMC to hear from the study authors who discussed why this study was needed, it’s strengths and limitations, and how it could lead to more personalised prescribing. The study was published in The Lancet.

Speakers included:

Dr Toby Pillinger, Academic Clinical Lecturer, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London

Professor Andrea Cipriani, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Oxford

Professor Oliver Howes, Professor of Molecular Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London

Dr Atheeshaan Arumuham, Academic Clinical Fellow, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London

This Briefing was accompanied by an SMC Roundup of comments.