Yes, several common medications can increase cholesterol (LDL) or lower "good" HDL, including corticosteroids (like prednisone), diuretics (thiazides), beta-blockers, immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), some antiviral drugs (HIV, Hepatitis C), retinoids, antipsychotics, certain hormones (like aromatase inhibitors), and some antidepressants, impacting treatment for various conditions like inflammation, cancer, HIV, and blood pressure.
Consuming high-fat or full fat dairy products or sugary foods can temporarily elevate cholesterol and triglyceride levels, giving a misleading picture of your lipid profile. This occurs because the body metabolizes fats and sugars into lipids, which circulate in the blood.
Significant associations were found between use of each amitriptyline, fluoxetine, citalopram/escitalopram, sertraline, paroxetine and venlafaxine with higher total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides and lower HDL-C, compared to participants not taking each medication.
Older beta blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal, Innopran XL), atenolol (Tenormin) and metoprolol (Kapspargo Sprinkle, Lopressor, Toprol-XL), can slightly increase triglycerides and decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol. This side effect may be more likely in people who smoke.
Thiazide and loop diuretics have been associated with increases in plasma cholesterol in studies of patients with hypertension.
Common side effects
We found that the biological effects of vitamin D repletion, namely a decrease in PTH and increase in serum calcium, were strongly and independently associated with a rise in LDL cholesterol and LDL particle number.
Older adults should not usually take amitriptyline because it is not as safe or effective as other medication(s) that can be used to treat the same condition. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking amitriptyline.
Medications that can raise your triglycerides
The worst foods for high cholesterol, given their high saturated fat content, include:
A few changes in your diet can reduce cholesterol and improve your heart health:
What causes cholesterol to get high?
These factors include eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats and not getting enough exercise. Sometimes factors that aren't within your control can lead to high cholesterol. These include gene changes that pass from parents to children, some health conditions, and some medicines.
In addition, research has found that people with anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder (in which a person suffers frequent panic attacks), have higher cholesterol levels than others. Studies have also shown that people with anxiety are more likely to have high cholesterol.
There may be an increased risk of confusion and possibly dementia in people taking medicines like amitriptyline but more research needs to be done. If you're worried about this, talk to your doctor.
Amitriptyline is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you: have ever had an allergic reaction to amitriptyline or any other medicine. have a heart problem – amitriptyline can make some heart problems worse.
According to a recent study in the journal Nutrients, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause your cholesterol and triglyceride numbers to go up. Vitamin B12 is important for maintaining energy and endurance levels.
Taking magnesium by mouth appears to slightly decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol levels and total cholesterol levels, and slightly increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.
That's because metoprolol works mainly on the heart. Other beta blockers, such as propranolol, work on the heart but affect other parts of the body as well. There are lots of other medicines to lower blood pressure and treat chest pain that work in a different way from beta blockers.
Common side effects include upset stomach, dry mouth, and drowsiness.
This medicine may cause changes in blood sugar levels. Also, this medicine may cover up the symptoms of low blood sugar (including fast heartbeat) and increase the risk for serious or prolonged hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).