Genetic Factors in Antidepressant Side Effects Unveiled by Biobank Data

Recent research conducted by scientists at the University of Tartu's Institute of Genomics has shed light on why some individuals experience more pronounced side effects when using antidepressants. By analyzing data from over 13,000 gene donors stored in the Estonian Biobank, researchers examined 25 common side effects across 16 popular antidepressants, including symptoms like nausea, weight fluctuations, sleep disturbances, headaches, and heart palpitations.

The study focused significantly on the CYP2C19 gene, which plays a crucial role in how the body metabolizes certain medications. Variations in this gene, especially the presence of a deletion mutation found in over 3% of Estonians—a genetic trait not previously documented in other populations—were linked to an increased likelihood of side effects. Slow metabolizers, who process drugs more slowly due to their genetic makeup, were nearly 50% more likely to experience adverse effects compared to those with typical metabolic rates, whereas ultra-rapid metabolizers exhibited a lower risk.

These findings emphasize the importance of personalized medicine, suggesting that genetic testing could guide dosage adjustments or alternative therapies to minimize side effects. For example, patients can check their CYP2C19 activity through the Minu Geenivaramu portal. Incorporating genetic variants like the CYP2C19 deletion into pharmacogenetic testing can enhance treatment safety, especially in Estonia.

Furthermore, the research linked genetic predispositions for psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and depression, as well as higher BMI, with increased side effect profiles, including weight gain and headaches. Using data mining and natural language processing on clinical records and questionnaires, scientists demonstrated the significant influence of genetics on individual responses to antidepressants.

Overall, this innovative study highlights the potential of using genetic information to tailor antidepressant therapy, leading to more effective and safer mental health treatments while reducing the risk of therapy discontinuation due to adverse effects. The results underscore the importance of integrating pharmacogenetics into clinical practice to optimize patient outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-biobank-individuals-side-effects-antidepressants.html