Felodipine and Depression

There are several potential side effects of felodipine (Plendil), and depression appears to be one of them. However, because depression is so common within the general population, it is difficult to determine whether depression is caused by felodipine or other factors. If you are taking felodipine and depression occurs, notify your healthcare provider right away.

 

Felodipine and Depression: An Overview

Felodipine (Plendil®) is a prescription medication known as a calcium channel blocker. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). As with any other medicine, there are potential side effects with felodipine. One of these possible side effects is depression.
 

Felodipine and Depression: How Common Is It?

The safety and effectiveness of felodipine has been extensively studied. These clinical studies have shown that between 0.5 and 1.5 percent of people reported depression as a side effect of felodipine.
 
The challenge with felodipine and depression is that, given how rarely depression is reported with felodipine and how common it is within the general population, it is difficult to tell whether depression is caused by felodipine or other factors.
 

Felodipine and Depression: Recommendations

For people taking felodipine, depression may occur.
 Therefore, if you notice any possible symptoms of depression while taking felodipine, or something "just does not seem right," you should talk to your healthcare provider. He or she will be able to diagnose and treat the problem. If your healthcare provider believes the medicine may be causing your symptoms, he or she may recommend another blood pressure medicine.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;