Blood Pressure Medications May Affect Your Mood

 Contrary to popular belief, certain blood pressure medicines like calcium channel blockers and beta blockers do not increase your risk for depression. A recent Danish study revealed that none of 41 commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications increased this likelihood.

Furthermore, nine of the medicines appeared to reduce your risk for depression. These findings mark the first comprehensive examination of whether individual blood pressure medications influence mood.

1. Sedatives

Sedatives are medicines that relax the central nervous system (CNS) and reduce irritability or excitement. They do this by increasing levels of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Some patients take sedatives for other purposes, such as to induce sleep, reduce anxiety from stressful life circumstances or lift their mood when depressed - this behavior is known as "chemical coping." Unfortunately, this may lead to dose increase and an increased likelihood of addiction or dependence.

According to a 2019 study, people who take sedatives during early pregnancy are at an increased risk for preeclampsia and low birth weight. They may also have difficulty concentrating and become restless while awake.

Furthermore, sedatives may cause side effects like constipation and nausea. It's essential that you discuss these potential adverse reactions with your healthcare provider.

Some sedatives, like benzodiazepines, can be hazardous if taken long-term or in large doses. Furthermore, these drugs may lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking them.

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed medications to treat insomnia, depression and anxiety. They may also help you relax before a medical procedure. Benzodiazepines typically come with short-term usage but some may last up to 24 hours when taken orally.

Hypnotics are similar to benzodiazepines, but tend to cause fewer side effects. They're usually prescribed for insomnia but may also be used to reduce agitation and muscle stiffness.

Sedatives have the potential for greater inhibitory effects on the CNS than other drugs due to their increase of GABA activity, making them harder to manage with other medications.

If you are struggling with sedatives, seek treatment immediately. Doing so can help minimize the negative consequences of taking these drugs and any other substances combined with them.

You can get a list of qualified addiction counselors in your area by calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) or visiting their official website. These professionals can assist you in selecting the appropriate course of treatment for yourself or someone close to you.

Drug addiction symptoms can be hard to recognize, so it is essential to seek professional assistance if you notice any of them. Your healthcare provider may suggest a taper schedule as well in order to help you or someone you care about reduce their use of sedatives and minimize withdrawal symptoms.

2. Diuretics

Diuretics (also referred to as water pills) can be prescribed to treat conditions like high blood pressure and edema. These drugs cause the kidneys to produce more urine, eliminating excess water from the body.

They can be taken alone or combined with other medications, such as ACE inhibitors and nitrates. Usually prescribed to those who have high blood pressure or congestive heart failure, these drugs help lower inflammation in the body and promote healing.

Diuretics come in three main varieties: thiazide, loop and potassium-sparing. Since each affects different areas of the kidneys differently, it's essential to consult your doctor about which one is most suitable for you.

Typically, you'll take one dose each morning or afternoon. Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration; if taking a loop diuretic, be sure to drink more than usual for optimal hydration.

Be sure to monitor your medication intake and contact your doctor if you experience any side effects. These could range from mild to serious, so it's important to be aware of them before they get worse.

Your doctor may also want to check your electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium and calcium to make sure they're not getting too low or high. Doing so could cause you to feel weak or confused and could even result in a heart attack.

It is also essential to be cautious with other medicines you are taking, such as over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. All of these can have an adverse effect on your diuretic so it's best to discuss any new medications you might be taking with your doctor before beginning their use.

Though not yet proven as a replacement for pharmaceutical drugs, some natural ingredients such as ginger and parsley have been linked to reduced hypertension. You can add these spices to food or take supplements in supplement form; however, always consult your doctor before increasing these intakes or altering your diet in any way.

There is currently no proof that any of the four classes of antihypertensive drugs - angiotensin antagonists, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers or thiazide diuretics - are linked to mood disorder among patients. However, researchers caution that further investigation is necessary before these conclusions can be confirmed.

3. Calcium channel blockers

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs), medications that restrict calcium flow, can help lower blood pressure and boost heart health. Unfortunately, they may also negatively impact your mood.

According to a new study, some of the most widely prescribed blood pressure medicines -- calcium channel blockers and beta blockers -- may increase your risk for mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. As such, you should discuss your medications with your doctor to reduce or wean off these drugs, if needed.

Researchers examined data from more than 450,000 adults with high blood pressure who were admitted to hospital for a mood disorder and found that calcium channel blockers and beta blockers increased the likelihood of experiencing these issues more than other types of blood pressure medicine. Conversely, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) decreased this risk.

They further examined how CCBs affect calcium's ability to control nerve cell functions in your brain. It appears that CCBs reduce these nerve cell's activity, making it harder for them to send messages back to your cerebral cortex.

Your brain utilizes calcium to help regulate certain functions, such as emotion regulation and mood control. However, for people with bipolar disorder, the way calcium is utilized by their brain differs from that of other individuals.

Depressive and anxious feelings may ensue, making it difficult to think clearly and carry out daily tasks such as working or studying.

Other side effects of blood pressure medications may include dizziness, flushing, headache and swelling in your ankles or feet. If you experience any of these effects, contact your doctor right away for further evaluation.

These effects usually subside once your body gets used to taking the medication. Furthermore, you can minimize these potential reactions by informing your doctor of any other medications or foods you are taking.

Calcium channel blockers are drugs commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina) and irregular heartbeats. Many patients rely on them as their go-to therapy due to their safety and effectiveness.

4. Beta blockers

Beta blockers are commonly prescribed to treat medical issues like high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. Unfortunately, some people have reported feeling sad or depressed while taking them - though the cause may simply be related to how these medications work.

It is critical to follow your doctor's dosage instructions for beta-blocker medications. Doing too much or stopping suddenly can have unpleasant side effects like a slow heart rate, difficulty breathing, and dizziness.

Start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach the prescribed amount. Starting with too large of a dose can cause the medicine to lower your heart rate and blood pressure too quickly, potentially leading to serious issues like a heart attack or stroke.

Orthostatic hypotension, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is a rare but serious side effect of beta blockers. If you experience any of these effects, contact your GP or go directly to A&E immediately for advice and treatment.

If you take beta blockers for an extended period, they can weaken your immune system's capacity to fight infection. This leaves you more susceptible to contracting illnesses such as colds and flus. Your healthcare provider may suggest taking either vitamin B6 or folate supplements along with these medicines in order to keep your immunity strong and healthy.

Your doctor will monitor your progress closely while taking these medicines, and alert you if any side effects develop such as a dry mouth or swelling in the hands and feet.

These medications usually cause only mild side effects that usually dissipate over time. If you experience any problems while taking these drugs, contact your GP or pharmacist promptly for assistance.

These medications may cause fatigue due to their ability to lower your blood pressure and heart rate, leading to a feeling of being more tired than usual. To combat this effect, you should drink more water when feeling drowsy as this helps bring back your blood pressure back up.