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Can psychiatric medicines cause high blood pressure?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 24 years old and weigh 154 pounds. My blood pressure is on the higher side, with readings of 150/90. I have a history of depression and ADHD. I am currently on medication for depression and blood pressure and have been prescribed Nexito Forte, Skizoril 12.5 mg for depression, Nexovas 10 mg, and Nebimac 5 mg for BP by my psychiatrist. Now, I have been referred to a cardiologist by my psychiatrist for further investigations for high blood pressure. Could the high blood pressure be a side effect of my psychiatric medicines? Or is it something else? I have been under psychiatric medicine for the past 10 to 12 years. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Prashant Valecha

Education:

MD Physician

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prashant Valecha is a General Practitioner and an expert in Preventive and Noninvasive Cardiology and completed his MD Physician from Yerevan State Medical University, Armenia, in 2009. He is an expert in treating all cardiac ailments. He has 14 years of clinical experience and is currently practicing in Bhopal.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are already on blood pressure (BP) medicines, such as tablets of Cilnidipine and Nebivolol. Tablet Nebivolol controls heart rate. Psychiatric medicines may affect heart rate, but they are not that significant in affecting BP (BP=Cardiac output x heart rate).

And the benefit of psychiatric drugs is more important than small side effects. Maybe your cardiologist will the increased dose of Cilnidipine or add some other drug.

But at 24 years, the cause of high BP is not like high BP of old age, which is mostly idiopathic (unknown cause due to aging). At a young age, there can be a secondary cause for high BP, like renal hypertension. Go for regular jogging or brisk walking for 20 to 30 minutes every day and avoid a sedentary lifestyle. To know that, I would suggest you get a few tests, such as an ultrasound of the abdomen. Consult your doctor and take medicines accordingly.

A renal function test is advisable, and kindly do that or discuss serum electrolytes with your cardiologist if it has not been done yet.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

I am yet to visit the cardiologist, as I have been referred to consult him today. Apart from the cause you mentioned, is there any other possible reason for this? After taking BP medicines daily, I still have occasional anxiety, a little dizziness, and a light headache. Are these side effects of BP medicine? Also, I do walk for around 30 to 35 kilometers a day from office to home, but I am confined to my office chair for nearly eight to nine hours with small breaks in between. Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Prashant Valecha

Education:

MD Physician

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prashant Valecha is a General Practitioner and an expert in Preventive and Noninvasive Cardiology and completed his MD Physician from Yerevan State Medical University, Armenia, in 2009. He is an expert in treating all cardiac ailments. He has 14 years of clinical experience and is currently practicing in Bhopal.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Anxiety surely is a cause of BP (blood pressure). I suggest you think your medicines also will reduce anxiety; add meditation or pranayama in your life. It will help with both anxiety and BP. What I wanted to say is that besides anxiety, BP (hypertension) in young adults should be screened for renal causes.

If there is no problem from the kidney side, your doctor must add another class of antihypertensive drugs (ACE or Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors), which help to reduce BP and also protect the heart from the side effects of BP. Do not worry. In your case, I think it is mostly due to anxiety.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At January 24, 2016
Reviewed At September 26, 2024

Education:

MD Physician

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prashant Valecha is a General Practitioner and an expert in Preventive and Noninvasive Cardiology and completed his MD Physician from Yerevan State Medical University, Armenia, in 2009. He is an expert in treating all cardiac ailments. He has 14 years of clinical experience and is currently practicing in Bhopal.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Psychiatric Meds and BP?

Five quick questions help you understand potential connections between your psychiatric medications and blood pressure, and when to talk to a doctor.

For guidance only, not a diagnosis. Always consult your doctor.

Education:

MD Physician

Professional Bio:

Dr. Prashant Valecha is a General Practitioner and an expert in Preventive and Noninvasive Cardiology and completed his MD Physician from Yerevan State Medical University, Armenia, in 2009. He is an expert in treating all cardiac ailments. He has 14 years of clinical experience and is currently practicing in Bhopal.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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