Cozaar and Depression

There are certain side effects that may occur with the use of Cozaar, and depression is a possible side effect that is reported in less than 1 percent of patients taking the drug. Since depression is very common within the general population and is reported so rarely in patients taking Cozaar, it is difficult to determine whether the condition is actually a side effect of the medication or caused by other factors. If you are taking Cozaar, it can be helpful to be aware of some of the possible symptoms of depression, including restlessness, irritability, and feelings of worthlessness.

 

Is Depression a Cozaar Side Effect?

Cozaar® (losartan potassium) is a prescription medicine used to treat high blood pressure or diabetic nephropathy. It is part of a class of medicines called angiotensin II receptor blockers. As with all medicine, there are several possible side effects that can occur in people taking Cozaar. One of these possible side effects is depression.
 
Depression is a complaint that is reported rarely in people taking Cozaar (i.e., less than 1 percent). This data comes from clinical trials that studied Cozaar extensively in thousands of people and documented its side effects. Given how rarely depression is reported with Cozaar and how common it is within the general population, it is difficult to tell whether depression is caused by Cozaar, other factors, or a combination of both.
 

Cozaar and Depression: What to Look For

While depression may not be a commonly reported side effect of Cozaar, it is extremely common in society today.
 In fact, in any given one-year period, 9.5 percent of the population (about 18.8 million American adults) has depression. Therefore, knowing the symptoms of depression can be helpful.
 
Possible depression symptoms may include:
 
  • Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
  • Decreased energy; fatigue; feeling "slowed down"
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
  • Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
  • Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
  • Restlessness and irritability
  • Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain, that do not respond to treatment.
     
Keep in mind that there are other conditions that can share similar symptoms with depression.
 
(Cozaar and Depression Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;