Depression Lowers Blood Pressure, but Antidepressants increase it and Tricyclics could be a Cause
Contrary to prevailing opinion, new research indicates it is not depression that raises blood pressure but the drugs used to treat depression
Advertisement
Investigators at the VU University Medical Center, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, show that depression is associated with low — not high — blood pressure but that taking certain antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), tends to raise blood pressure and increase the risk for hypertension.
Lead author Carmilla Licht, from the department of psychiatry at VU University Medical Center, stated that, "Doctors should at least be aware of a potential blood-pressure rise that could be linked to TCA use, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure or others who are at risk for hypertension."
"They may consider meticulously monitoring these patients' blood pressure when they prescribe one of these antidepressants or consider prescribing another antidepressant medication."
The study is published online February 23 in Hypertension.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is independent of the views of our advertisers and sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.
Copyright @ 1999-2012 Diabetes In Control, Inc.. All rights reserved.
Entries (RSS News)
