A new study has raised concerns about a possible connection between a common type of blood pressure medicine and a higher risk of suicide.
The research was led by Muhammad Mamdani from St. Michael’s Hospital and published in JAMA Network Open.
The study focused on medications called Angiotensin Receptor Blockers, or ARBs. These drugs are used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease, and diabetes. The researchers compared ARBs to another common group of blood pressure medications known as ACE inhibitors.
The findings showed that people who were taking ARBs had a 63% higher chance of dying by suicide than those who were taking ACE inhibitors. To reach this conclusion, the researchers looked at Canadian health records.
They studied 964 people who died by suicide within 100 days of being prescribed either ARBs or ACE inhibitors. They also compared these people to over 3,000 others who were on similar medications but did not die by suicide.
One possible reason for this increased risk is that ARBs might raise levels of a hormone called angiotensin II in the brain. This hormone can affect mood and could potentially increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Both ARBs and ACE inhibitors work by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to narrow. ARBs block the hormone from attaching to cells, while ACE inhibitors stop the body from making too much of it.
While this study raises important questions, the researchers say more studies are needed to confirm these results. The team also pointed out that some of the people in the study were also taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, which could also affect the risk of suicide.
Because of these findings, some patients might want to talk with their doctor about switching from ARBs to ACE inhibitors. However, any changes in medication should only be made under a doctor’s supervision.
In conclusion, this study highlights a possible safety concern with ARBs and calls for more research to understand it fully. If you are taking blood pressure medicine and are worried about your mental health, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. Together, you can find the best and safest treatment for your condition.
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