Maxzide and Depression

While most people have no problems when taking Maxzide, depression is one of the side effects that can occur. However, the exact percentage of people who experienced this side effect when taking the drug during previous studies was not reported. If you are taking Maxzide and depression symptoms occur, it's important to let your healthcare provider know.

 

Is Depression a Maxzide Side Effect?

Several side effects are possible when taking Maxzide® (triamterene-HCTZ), and depression may be one of them. Maxzide is a combination of two diuretic medications: hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and triamterene, and is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (edema).
 

Understanding Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are designed to factor out many possible variables in order to understand whether a medicine works and what its possible side effects are. During a study, some people are given the actual medication, while others are given a placebo (which looks like the actual medication but does not contain any of the active ingredients).
 
Side effects occur in people who are taking the medicine and in people who are taking a placebo. By studying both groups, it becomes easier to tell which side effects are definitely drug-related, which may be drug-related, and which have nothing to do with the drug. In previous clinical studies, depression was reported as one of the possible Maxzide side effects. However, the exact percentage of people who developed depression was not reported.
 

Final Thoughts on Maxzide and Depression

When taking Maxzide, depression may occur.
 Therefore, if you are taking Maxzide and depression symptoms occur, you should talk with your healthcare provider. You should also notify your healthcare provider if you notice something that "just does not seem right" during treatment with Maxzide. He or she will be able to diagnose and treat the problem. If your healthcare provider believes that the medicine may be causing your symptoms, he or she may recommend a different diuretic or blood pressure medicine.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;