Any AD ((SSRI) that doesn't cause high blood pressure?
Jean S. Barto
Are there any meds that don't cause high blood pressure (HBP)? Four years
ago I was on Effexor XR (max dose of 150 mg), and the combination of that
along with low-dose BCP had my BP up to 170/90--so I had to stop the BCP's
and go on Lupron until I gained more weight than I wanted. I got off the
Effexor gradually back in 2003, and even after that, the BP was still
elevated--in the 140's/90's. and has progressively gotten higher since, to
the 150's/90 this summer.
I went back on meds in mid-August--this time on Cymbalta--I worked up to the
maintenance dose of 60 mg, but I have occasionally split a capsule apart and
have increased the dose to 90 mg when I felt I needed to. Despite some
early side-effects (lots of sweating, constipation), I like the Cymbalta,
especially since it also works as a appetite supressant, and I've lost 8-10
lbs since I started it last August.
However, my BP is up again--this time to about 170/100--and since stopping
the AD's isn't realistic now, my PCP recommended I start taking a small dose
of a BP medication--the name escapes me now. I've been taking the BP meds
for about a week, and the medication hasn't dropped my BP very much, and I
don't like the side effects--some fatigue, and possibly some depression that
I wouldn't have had otherwise.
My diagnosis is major depressive disorder--and possibly some bipolar
spectrum disorder with very infrequent hypomania (probably 2 or 3 times in
my entire life, I am 50). As much as I think the Cymbalta is working with
my depression, the HBP is also troublesome, and the BP med I'm on now is
*also* troublesome! Are there any AD's out there that won't have such a
severe effect on my BP, without also causing weight gain?
Also, I can't take a *regular* 100 mg. dose of Wellbutrin--I tried it
briefly 4 years ago and it made me way too jittery, especially when compared
to the calming effects of the Effexor XR. The Cymbalta isn't nearly as
calming, but it works *much* better to increase my alertness without making
me overly nervous/jittery.
Supposedly my blood work is fine--complete blood panel was done in August
for the psychiatrist, and she said all was OK and *within normal limits."
BTW, why do the AD's cause elevated BP in the first place?? Is this a
result of the reuptake effects of the medication, or is something else going
on?
Thanks in advance--
Jean in VA
Nom dePlume
when you aren't taking antidepressants. The ADs are making it worse,
and I can understand why you are thinking in terms of ADs that don't
increase blood pressure, but I'm concerned that you have an underlying
problem that needs addressing.
Have you had your endocrine system checked out by an endocrinologist?
Hypertension can arise from endocrine problems (such as
hypothyroidism), and if that's the case, blood pressure drugs (like
beta blockers) aren't the right solution. So my suggestion would be to
see an endocrinologist (not a GP) for a thorough checkup.
--
Nom dePlume, Ph.D.
Why, yes, in fact, I am a rocket scientist.
Guide to Medications for Mental Illness:
http://www.geocities.com/nomdeplume1000/
=====
ilikein...@hotmail.com
Hey............
Not that they are a barrel of monkeys to take, but don't TCAs lower
blood pressure to the point of orthostatic hypotension, ie falling on
your face when you try to stand up???
Gabe
Jean S. Barto
"Nom dePlume" <nomdeplume1000-at-yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:donp7...@news3.newsguy.com...
So, I guess what you're saying is that a hormonal imbalance can cause
hypertension? This has been coming on for about 5 years--my BP has been
gradually increasing from 130/80 or so since that time--and if I weren't on
the ADs it would be in the mid 140s/high 80s--definitely borderline to level
1 hypertension based on the new guidelines.
Perhaps if I have a hormonal issue, getting that straightened out would help
with the depression--
Thanks for the suggestion--
Jean in VA
Nom dePlume
news:Ea4sf.15037$Ou3.5034@dukeread09...
> So, I guess what you're saying is that a hormonal imbalance can
cause
> hypertension?
Yes, it certainly can, and this is an area where effective treatments
do exist.
> This has been coming on for about 5 years--my BP has been
> gradually increasing from 130/80 or so since that time--and if I
weren't on
> the ADs it would be in the mid 140s/high 80s--definitely borderline
to level
> 1 hypertension based on the new guidelines.
>
> Perhaps if I have a hormonal issue, getting that straightened out
would help
> with the depression--
Definitely a possibility.
> Thanks for the suggestion--
>
> Jean in VA
You're welcome, and good luck! Just remember to see an
endocrinologist, not a GP. You should have your thyroid hormone (T3
and T4) levels checked, not just TSH. Also, you may have female
hormones to consider that I know less about (which, for some reason,
haven't been an issue for me :) )
--
Nom dePlume, Ph.D.
Why, yes, in fact, I am a rocket scientist.
Guide to Medications for Mental Illness:
http://www.geocities.com/nomdeplume1000/
=====