i am prone to depression but dont need anyting to control it, since taking this medication ( this last 2 weeks )
I have become sadder and depressed much more often for longer periods of time, should I stop taking this ?
Lisinopril - I seem to be much more depressed since taking this medication should I stop ?
Question posted by vyay on 25 July 2011
Last updated on 13 October 2020
5 Answers
sappukei2012
1 Feb 2013
I started lisinopril in Nov '07; I was not taking any medication prior to that date and was an active cyclist. A blood test in Feb '07 reveled my lipids were beyond the normal range. I felt the depression slowly creep up on me from late Dec '07 to early mar '08 when it became so deep I became plagued with intense suicidal ideations, even in my dreams.
I became hospitalized at least 4 times that year for severe major depression and severe anxiety. I was prescribed a handful of psychoactive pills to swallow every morning so I could be functional enough to go back to work. In Feb '10 I had a heart attack most likely caused by one or two of the other drugs that are known to raise cholesterol levels. I had now two handfuls of drugs to take every morning and one handful to take at night.
I became a walking (barely) pharmaceutical with 4 bottles of 'emergency' pills in my backpack and at least 6 different type drugs inside me at all times. By Feb '12 I was afflicted with at least 15 known side effects associated with the drugs I was taking. I collapsed at work in Mar '12 after my legs and feet swelled so much I couldn't stand the pain anymore. At the hospital I had a seizure in the ICU and I thought I was going to be dead as soon as the tunnel vision was reduced to a pin point. After that I refused any and all medications. By the summer all my symptoms disappeared except for the occasional angina from my damaged heart.
Most of the responses I've read on the internet about the concerns of people taking lisinopril sound like canned memos from big pharma or from individuals parroting their paid-by-the-pill doctors who have to pony-up tuition for kid. Do more research. Dissect the numbers. Listen to the victims instead of the peddlers. I can't wait to go cycling again.
HPoole
30 July 2011
get off of lisinopril!!! has terrible side effects, including coughing!! propranolol (inderal) is a good bp med.
ninakay
13 Oct 2020
Yes, both my spouse and myself (we have different doctors) had to come off lisinopril because of the cough. I had been on it for quite a few years too. Now I'm having trouble with some shortness of breath and am wondering if it is the Amlodipine I'm now taking. My doctor wants me to get a cardiology workup, and I want to switch to another BP medication. Thoughts? I'm 72 and don't want a workup that might expose me to Covid.
Inactive
25 July 2011
Lisinopril is an ace inhibitor used for high blood pressure, & congestive heart failure. It is not a anti depressant, & will not cause you to be depressed. If you are prone to depression I would think you should let a doctor decide if you are clinically depressed, & need medication for that condition. Please do not stop the Lisinopril if you have HBP without discussing it with your physician...
Inactive
25 July 2011
I agree wih you guys this is a b/p med and you should see your doc.
kdadnick
5 July 2013
Lisinopril may not cause clinical depression, but taking it CAN cause a depressed mood and incredible mood changes. Of course someone with high Bp should consult a physician before stopping meds, but it seems irresponsible to me to start treating an another issue (in this instance depression) with additional medication without first investigating whether or not the symptoms are as the result of meds already being taken.
Mountainhiker
3 Aug 2018
I know this is an old answer but I had respond to this when I read it. I took lisinopril for awhile and it made me extremely depressed. It also made it very hard to think clearly. Everyone's body is different and to say a drug can't cause something is irresponsible. Just Google "Lisinopril makes me feel depressed" and look at all the people complaining of the same side effect.
LaurieShay
25 July 2011
Hey vyay,
Lisinopril, a hypertension medication, may have the serious side effect of low blood sodium which can cause mental or mood changes. I would consult with the prescribing doctor as soon as possible before discontinuing this medication. Keeping blood pressure under control is very important so not taking this medication or something similar is not advisable. Please let the doctor know how you are feeling and possibly have your sodium levels checked.
Best wishes,
Laurie
Inactive
25 July 2011
Good point. Years ago I was lithium. It took forever or so it seemed, for me to begin to feel any relief from my depression. My regular psychiatrist, was away. His replacement, who saw me, after looking at my chart, asked why no blood work was being done. This was back in the early eighties. I answered him, I didn't know why. I learned later on and that the only way to know the correct dose, is by checking the lithium blood level. If the level exceeds 1.2 it is considered dangerous to say the least. Not going to go into all the side-effects, but he immediately sent me for me to have bloodwork done. I'll never forget that doctor. I remember him well. Hes passed on since sadly to say. Again good tip Laurie, sound advice.
rachelsz
25 July 2011
Most of these types of drugs cause deeper depression upon first taking them. they generally take a while to work before you reach positive benefits. you should consult your doctor if its unbearable and you want to quit taking it. maybe he/she can give you something that doesnt take as long to achieve positive results.
caringsonbj
25 July 2011
I agree just to be on the safe side~
Related topics
depression, high blood pressure, lisinopril, hypertension, medication
Further information
- Lisinopril uses and safety info
- Lisinopril prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lisinopril (detailed)
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