Accupril and depression - High & Low Blood Pressure Message Board

brutus77 · 10-11-2006, 05:20 PM

I've taken Accupril for HBP for about 5 years now. Before that I was on another ACE the name of which slips my mind. I've been extremely depressed for approximately the same time my doctor upped my dosage of Accupril to 40mg.. 2 days ago my doctor prescribed Benicar. So since 2 days ago I've been on Benicar. My attitude and general feelings are up. My depression has lessened a great degree. So my question is: am I dreaming about my improved attitude, or is it possible that a specific breed of ACE's could cause depression.

Lenin · 10-12-2006, 05:50 AM

Brutus,

Accupril is an ACE inhibitor and Benicar is an angiotensin blocker. Their method of action is quite different.
Since ACE is a multifaceted enzyme that mediates many hormonal and prostaglandin type reactions I would expect VAST differences in side effects between the two classes of drugs.

Blocking ACE does far more than just lower BP and causing depression isn't completely out of the ordinary.

Besides, after taking an ACE inhibitor for several years there is usually a loss of effectiveness anyway...so the switch to an ARB sounds like a good idea.

brutus77 · 10-12-2006, 06:27 AM

Thanks much for your reply!