First Published Thursday, 5 March 2009
Pauline Anderson
Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Contrary to prevailing opinion, new research indicates it is not depression that raises blood pressure but the drugs used to treat depression-a finding that suggests patients on antidepressants might need to be more closely monitored.
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.
“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,” lead author Carmilla Licht (VU University Medical Center) said.
© 2009 Medscape Medical News
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