The norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor reboxetine is considered a safe option because of its neutral effects on blood pressure in long-term studies, even if both hypotensive and hypertensive effects are reported.
If you have hypertension, they may recommend another antidepressant. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are less likely than SNRIs to increase blood pressure.
Results: Users of antidepressant drugs did not have any significant changes in BP levels, except in patients who received SSRIs alone, significant improvement was observed in DBP (P = 0.04) and mean of BP (P = 0.03).
Fluvoxamine, fluoxetine and paroxetine are considered lower risk antidepressants with minimal effects on the cardiovascular system.
The ACE inhibitors enalapril and ramipril. Calcium channel blockers amlodipine, verapamil, and verapamil combinations. The beta-blockers propranolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, and carvedilol.
You may not think of mental health disorders when you think about high blood pressure, but a connection exists. If you have hypertension, you're more likely to experience mood issues, such as anxiety and depression than those with normal blood pressure.
Lack of dopamine at key sites in the brain may increase blood pressure and/or trigger depression (6). Furthermore, the cerebrovascular and ischemic changes in the brain promoted by high blood pressure may predispose individuals with hypertension to depression (9).
SSRIs are usually the first choice medicine for depression because they generally have fewer side effects than most other types of antidepressant.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Health care providers often start by prescribing an SSRI . These antidepressants generally cause fewer bothersome side effects and are less likely to cause problems at higher therapeutic doses than other types of antidepressants.
Conclusion: Escitalopram decreases HR, but not BP, in individuals with hypertension and depression.
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants. This is because they're effective and well-tolerated antidepressants with little side effects. With many SSRIs available as generic products, this medication class typically costs less. SNRIs and bupropion are also common choices for similar reasons.
facial flushing. nausea. dizziness. a drop in blood pressure.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), and beta blockers are recommended as first-choice medications in some younger adults with high blood pressure. They are all effective at lowering blood pressure, but differ in the ways they work.
The researchers emphasized that no one with a history of arrhythmias should start taking these medications. Instead, such a patient might try one of the antidepressants that do not increase the Q-T interval: fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), or buproprion (Wellbutrin).
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They can ease symptoms of moderate to severe depression, are relatively safe and typically cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants do.
Perhaps the most recognizable among them is Prozac (fluoxetine). It's still the best option for many people, but since it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987, Prozac has been joined by a variety of other antidepressant medications.
Overall, citalopram appears to be the best-tolerated SSRI, followed by fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and fluvoxamine. The latter 2 drugs are associated with the most side effects and the highest discontinuation rates because of side effects in clinical trials.
Exercise. Research suggests that regular exercise may be a more effective treatment for mild depression than antidepressants. Exercise helps boost levels of chemicals called serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which can lift your mood.
SSRIs and SNRIs are often the first-line treatment for anxiety. Common SSRI brands are Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil, and Zoloft. Common SNRI brands are Pristiq, Cymbalta, and Effexor XR. Pros: They are effective for a lot of people and they have a solid safety profile.
All studies related to short-term BPV using ambulatory and home blood pressure monitoring found a higher BPV in individuals with depression or panic disorder.
Reactions to stress can affect blood pressure
The body releases a surge of hormones when under stress. These hormones cause the heart to beat faster and the blood vessels to narrow. These actions increase blood pressure for a time.
Acute stress and blood pressure
“If we're in a stressful situation, the normal physiologic response is to increase blood pressure,” Dr. Laffin explains. “Acute stress can increase your heart rate and rev up your sympathetic nervous system, which, in turn, raises your blood pressure.”
You can still use antidepressant medications if you have high blood pressure. Finding the right medication—or combination of medications—can be a trial-and-error process. The goal of any treatment plan is for the benefits to outweigh the risks.
Anxiety doesn't cause long-term high blood pressure (hypertension). But episodes of anxiety can cause dramatic, temporary spikes in blood pressure.