Posted by Phoenix1 on February 3, 2008, at 18:11:04
In reply to Re: Beta Blockers and Depression » Abby Cunningham, posted by Larry Hoover on February 3, 2008, at 14:46:15
> > eMedicine says atenolol does not cross the BBB. If that is the case how can it cause depression? Just trying to understand. And should I try the other beta blocker in such a small dose?
> > Thanks,
> > Abby
>
> Well, they can say whatever they want. Way back in 1983, atenolol was shown to have central (i.e. CNS) effects in healthy volunteers. The clinical trials showed greater incidence of depression and (presumably vivid) dreaming with atenolol compared to placebo. And a recent study showed up to seven-fold higher incidence of depression (in those said to be at risk for depression) in atenolol-treated subjects compared to those on verapamil, and greater that 3-fold higher incidence in those with a history of depression.
>
> See: http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content-nw/full/67/3/398/F39
>
> I don't know if it does or does not cross the BBB. It does have depressogenic activity, nonetheless.
>
> You needn't switch to another drug if you're not adversely affected by it. Or, were you thinking of switching because you might be?
>
> Lar> > eMedicine says atenolol does not cross the BBB. If that is the case how can it cause depression? Just trying to understand. And should I try the other beta blocker in such a small dose?
> > Thanks,
> > Abby
>
> Well, they can say whatever they want. Way back in 1983, atenolol was shown to have central (i.e. CNS) effects in healthy volunteers. The clinical trials showed greater incidence of depression and (presumably vivid) dreaming with atenolol compared to placebo. And a recent study showed up to seven-fold higher incidence of depression (in those said to be at risk for depression) in atenolol-treated subjects compared to those on verapamil, and greater that 3-fold higher incidence in those with a history of depression.
>
> See: http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content-nw/full/67/3/398/F39
>
> I don't know if it does or does not cross the BBB. It does have depressogenic activity, nonetheless.
>
> You needn't switch to another drug if you're not adversely affected by it. Or, were you thinking of switching because you might be?
>
> LarHi Larry,
I agree with you on beta blockers in general being depressogenic. Propanolol definitely is. But the link you posted doesn't seem to mention beta blockers, unless I missed something which is quite possible.
Other classes of antihypertensives seem OK, although I've read some anecdotal reports of ARBs being depressogenic. I think ACE inhibitors are essentially fine although the link showed a roughly 1% incidence of depression.
How about the statins? I've read some pretty controversial stuff regarding psychiatric/cognitive side effects of the statins, but millions of people are on them for hypercholesterolemia...
Anyways, interesting stuff, I'd like to hear your opinion.
Thanks,
Phoenix
poster:Phoenix1
thread:809406
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080124/msgs/810599.html