Nisha Pandey

Blood Pressure, Heart Medicines May Boost Effectiveness Of Antidepressants, AIIMS Study Finds

header (22)

Commonly prescribed medicines for high blood pressure and heart disease could also help antidepressants work better, according to a new study by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

The research offers hope for people with <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/depression">depression</a> whose condition is not adequately managed with standard antidepressants.

The study found that certain cardiovascular medications, when taken along with antidepressants, may improve the brain's response to treatment, potentially making clinical depression treatments more effective. 

The findings establish a foundation for repurposing common medicines to improve mental health treatment. The researchers stress that larger clinical trials are needed to validate the study before it can be included in standard depression treatments. 

"Our findings suggest that some drugs already being used to treat hypertension and heart disease may have the potential to act as adjuncts to antidepressant therapy," the AIIMS research team said. 

They also said that the strategy could particularly benefit patients who do not respond to antidepressants well. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/nba-star-kevin-love-says-robin-williams-changed-how-he-sees-depression-heres-why-symptoms-often-get-missed-article-155244592" data-type="tilCustomLink">NBA Star Kevin Love Says Robin Williams Changed How He Sees Depression; Here's Why Symptoms Often Get Missed</a>

Even though depression affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, almost one-third of patients do not receive adequate relief from their first antidepressant. 

Even when medications work, they often take several weeks to show results. This has led researchers to explore more ways to improve treatment outcomes, especially for mental health issues. 

Repurposing existing medicines is considered an attractive strategy because their safety profiles are already well understood, potentially reducing the time and cost needed to bring new treatment options into clinical practice. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/mental-health-crisis-in-israel-military-why-suicides-among-soldiers-are-increasing-article-155211639" data-type="tilCustomLink">Mental Health Crisis In Israel Military: Why Suicides Among Soldiers Are Increasing?</a>

<h2>How Could Heart Medicines Improve The Efficacy Of Antidepressants? </h2>

Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are among the most commonly prescribed medicines for moderate to severe depression. They work by changing the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain, helping regulate mood over time. 

However, individual responses may vary widely, and many patients end up needing multiple treatment approaches before achieving any relief. 

While the exact biological mechanisms are still under investigation, researchers believe that some cardiovascular drugs may have an effect on pathways associated with inflammation, blood flow to the brain, or nerve signaling, all of which are increasingly play a role in depression treatment.

The researchers noted that these medicines are not intended to replace antidepressants. Instead, they could eventually be used alongside standard treatment to improve its effectiveness in some patients. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/iit-delhi-aiims-develop-first-hindi-music-therapy-for-stroke-patients-how-survivors-find-their-voice-article-155193549" data-type="tilCustomLink">IIT Delhi, AIIMS Develop First Hindi Music Therapy for Stroke Patients: How Survivors Find Their Voice</a>

Oncologist Answers: “Normal” Symptoms That Could Be Prostate Cancer

Experts caution that patients should not start or stop blood pressure or heart medications in the hope of treating depression without clinical supervision. 

More clinical studies are required to identify which cardiovascular drugs offer the greatest benefit, which patients are most likely to respond, and whether the combination remains safe over long-term use. 

The AIIMS study could pave the way for a cost-effective strategy to improve depression treatment by giving a new role to medicines that are already widely available.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

header-22

AIIMS

Antidepressants

Heart Medicines

Blood Pressure

robin williams

Depression

cardiovascular drugs

maharashtras-homeopathy-rule-explained-why-the-ima-is-protesting

Maharashtra's Homeopathy Rule Explained: Why The IMA Is Protesting

severe-covid-19-can-reactivate-dormant-viruses-may-fuel-long-covid-symptoms-study

Severe COVID-19 Can Reactivate Dormant Viruses, May Fuel Long COVID Symptoms: Study

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Commonly prescribed medicines for high blood pressure and heart disease could also help antidepressants work better, according to a new study by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The research offers hope for people with depression whose condition is not adequately managed with standard antidepressants. About The Study The study found that certain cardiovascular medications, when taken along with antidepressants, may improve the brain's response to treatment, potentially making clinical depression treatments more effective. The findings establish a foundation for repurposing common medicines to improve mental health treatment. The researchers stress that larger clinical trials are needed to validate the study before it can be included in standard depression treatments. "Our findings suggest that some drugs already being used to treat hypertension and heart disease may have the potential to act as adjuncts to antidepressant therapy," the AIIMS research team said. They also said that the strategy could particularly benefit patients who do not respond to antidepressants well. Also read: NBA Star Kevin Love Says Robin Williams Changed How He Sees Depression; Here's Why Symptoms Often Get MissedHow Can The Findings Help? Even though depression affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide, almost one-third of patients do not receive adequate relief from their first antidepressant. Even when medications work, they often take several weeks to show results. This has led researchers to explore more ways to improve treatment outcomes, especially for mental health issues. Repurposing existing medicines is considered an attractive strategy because their safety profiles are already well understood, potentially reducing the time and cost needed to bring new treatment options into clinical practice. Also read: Mental Health Crisis In Israel Military: Why Suicides Among Soldiers Are Increasing?How Could Heart Medicines Improve The Efficacy Of Antidepressants? Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are among the most commonly prescribed medicines for moderate to severe depression. They work by changing the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain, helping regulate mood over time. However, individual responses may vary widely, and many patients end up needing multiple treatment approaches before achieving any relief. While the exact biological mechanisms are still under investigation, researchers believe that some cardiovascular drugs may have an effect on pathways associated with inflammation, blood flow to the brain, or nerve signaling, all of which are increasingly play a role in depression treatment. The researchers noted that these medicines are not intended to replace antidepressants. Instead, they could eventually be used alongside standard treatment to improve its effectiveness in some patients. Also read: IIT Delhi, AIIMS Develop First Hindi Music Therapy for Stroke Patients: How Survivors Find Their VoiceWord Of Caution             Experts caution that patients should not start or stop blood pressure or heart medications in the hope of treating depression without clinical supervision. More clinical studies are required to identify which cardiovascular drugs offer the greatest benefit, which patients are most likely to respond, and whether the combination remains safe over long-term use. The AIIMS study could pave the way for a cost-effective strategy to improve depression treatment by giving a new role to medicines that are already widely available.