Can lisinopril cause depression
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Can Lisinopril Cause Depression?
Introduction to Lisinopril and Depression
Lisinopril is a widely prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) used primarily to manage hypertension and heart failure. Given its extensive use, understanding its potential side effects, including its impact on mental health, is crucial. This article explores whether lisinopril can cause depression, drawing on recent research findings.
Lisinopril and Mood Elevation
Interestingly, some studies suggest that ACEIs, including lisinopril, may have mood-elevating effects rather than causing depression. Research has shown that ACEIs can rapidly ameliorate depressive-type behaviors in animal models. For instance, a study demonstrated that lisinopril, due to its better blood-brain barrier permeability, exerted a faster and longer-lasting antidepressant effect compared to other ACEIs like captopril. This effect was linked to the bradykinin (BK) system and the activation of the mTORC1 pathway, which are mechanisms associated with antidepressant activity.
Comparative Studies on Depression Rates
A cohort study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression among users of various cardiovascular agents, including lisinopril. The study found that the crude overall rates of depression during treatment with ACE inhibitors, including lisinopril, were comparable to those of other cardiovascular drugs like calcium channel blockers. Specifically, the rate of depression for ACE inhibitors was 1.89 per 1000 patient months, which was not significantly different from the rates observed for calcium channel blockers. This suggests that lisinopril does not have a higher association with depression compared to other cardiovascular medications.
Conclusion
Current research indicates that lisinopril is not associated with an increased risk of depression. On the contrary, it may have potential antidepressant effects due to its action on the bradykinin system and mTORC1 pathway. Therefore, while monitoring for any side effects is always prudent, the evidence does not support the notion that lisinopril causes depression.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic