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Cardene® (nicardipine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication known as a calcium channel blocker. It is used to treat chest pain (known medically as angina) and high blood pressure (hypertension). A long-acting version (Cardene SR®) is also available and is approved to treat high blood pressure.
As with any medication, there are potential side effects with Cardene. One of these possible side effects is depression.
The safety and effectiveness of Cardene has been studied in many people. In these clinical trials, less than 1 percent of people reported depression as a side effect of Cardene.
The challenge with Cardene and depression is that, given how rarely depression is reported with Cardene and how common it is within the general population, it is difficult to tell whether depression is caused by Cardene, other factors, or a combination of both.
For people taking Cardene, depression may occur. Therefore, if you notice any possible symptoms of depression while taking Cardene, 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 angina or blood pressure medicine.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
Last updated/reviewed:
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