Can psychiatric medicines cause high blood pressure?

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.