ASK THE DOCTOR - Blood Pressure Meds & depression

Question: “I feel like my blood pressure medicine is making me feel depressed, but my wife says I’m crazy to think that?”

Answer:  Please allow me to offer some free advice:  don’t ever argue with your wife. I say this for two reasons:  first of all arguing will raise your blood pressure and, secondly, wives are usually right.    

     High blood pressure is a condition well worth treating as it increases your risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and heart failure. Diuretics (water pills) and medications known as “beta-blockers” are often used to treat hypertension.  

     Some examples of beta blockers include atenolol (Tenormin®), metoprolol (Lopressor®), and propranolol (Inderal®). These medications are commonly associated with side effects including depression.  If you’re taking these medications and feel depressed or lethargic, you should discuss this with your doctor and consider alternative medications. 

     So, my answer is yes, blood pressure medications can cause depression.   Just in case you are tempted to tell your wife: “see, I told you so!”  …remember that she might ask the doctor for a new prescription that causes decreased libido. 