A new study has raised concerns about a possible link between a widely prescribed blood pressure drug and an increased risk of suicide.
The research, led by scientists at St. Michael’s Hospital in Canada and published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that people taking angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may have a higher risk of dying by suicide than those taking another type of blood pressure medication called ACE inhibitors.
Both ARBs and ACE inhibitors are commonly used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. They work on the same hormone system in the body, known as the renin-angiotensin system, which helps control blood pressure. But they act in different ways.
ARBs prevent the hormone angiotensin II from binding to receptors in the blood vessels. This keeps the blood vessels from narrowing, which helps lower blood pressure. ACE inhibitors, on the other hand, stop the body from making too much angiotensin II in the first place.
In this study, researchers analyzed data from Canadian health records. They looked at 964 people who had died by suicide within 100 days of being prescribed either an ARB or an ACE inhibitor.
These cases were compared with a control group of more than 3,000 people who were also taking one of these two medications. The results showed that those taking ARBs had a 63% higher risk of suicide compared to those taking ACE inhibitors.
One theory is that ARBs might increase the levels of angiotensin II in the brain. While ARBs block this hormone in the body, the brain might react differently, producing more of it. Higher levels of angiotensin II in the brain could affect mood and stress responses, possibly increasing the risk of depression or suicidal thoughts.
However, the researchers caution that other factors could also explain the link. For example, patients taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications (like benzodiazepines) might already have been at higher risk for suicide, which could have influenced the results.
Even with these uncertainties, the study’s authors suggest that doctors should be careful when prescribing ARBs, especially for patients with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts. In some cases, switching to an ACE inhibitor might be a safer option.
Muhammad Mamdani, the study’s lead author and director of the Applied Health Research Center, emphasized that more research is needed to confirm these findings. He said that while the results are concerning, they do not prove that ARBs directly cause suicide.
The researchers also point out that both ARBs and ACE inhibitors are generally safe and effective for most people. Patients should not stop taking their medication without speaking to their doctor first. Stopping blood pressure medication suddenly can cause serious complications.
This study is an important reminder that physical and mental health are closely connected. It also shows the need for personalized treatment—especially when it comes to long-term medications. People taking ARBs who notice mood changes or feelings of depression should contact their healthcare provider right away.
As research continues, the goal is to better understand how these drugs affect the brain and to make sure patients get the safest and most effective care possible.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about Intensive blood pressure treatment for older adults may harm heart and kidneys and What you should know about high blood pressure medications.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies about High blood pressure and marijuana: a risky combination and Common blood pressure drug may not prevent heart attack effectively.
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