Can these medications cause mood changes?

[Callie456]

I had a recent heart attack and have now started taking the following: Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Rosuvastatin, Perindopril, Metoprolol, Glyceryl Trinitrate patch. I never took any medication prior to the heart attack, except Agomelatine (for anxiety/depression/sleep)

It's been 3 months and my mood has progressively worsened over this time. I'm very irritable, even cranky, overly sensitive and feel like crying all the time. Normally I'm very patient, gentle and kind, but I feel like this part of me has somehow gone. Does anyone know about these medications or combinations or has had the same experience? What can I do? I just want the old me back.

[Hidden]

Dear You

A warm welcome to you and your first post of what we hope will be many as you gain the support and information from this forum to help you with your health journey.

Yes without a doubt medication can and does do a lot to our feelings and moods.

Its almost impossible to say which ones could be affecting you as the same combination with someone else will have no effect.

It is not for me to tell you how powerful anxiety is and how it can manifest all sorts of ailments both physically and mentally, there are members that suffer with this on here { as well as heart problems } so hopefully they will answer soon.

The good thing is that you recognise that this feeling is not right for you so you must contact your Dr and tell them this.

Another port of call is your local pharmacy that dispensed your medication, they might be able to shed some light on the interactions of your medication and possible side effects.

It will give you something to talk to your Dr about.

Good luck and please keep us informed, I really hope that we can be of help to you.

Take care.

[Callie456 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I appreciate your advice. It's helpful to be able to ask here and not feel so alone.

[Hidden in reply to Callie456]

I promise you that you are not alone and hopefully with us on board you will never feel that you are.

[Callie456 in reply to Hidden]

🙏

[Hidden in reply to Callie456]

Two groups that really helped me were,

Steps To Wellbeing , which is self referral.

Togeatherall , which is a self expression site

Being Ex Force's, Combat stress Has been able to help { after a long time without asking for it }

[Callie456 in reply to Hidden]

Ok, thankyou for these. It's good to hear what people have found helpful.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

im not sure about the depressant effect of these meds, but what I do remember so well, after a heart attack (I've had 3], is the strong effect that has. Particularly an overwhelming and scary awareness of my mortality, which stopped me doing very much. Frightened to exert myself or go out and about, sitting ruminating, thinking my life was over, and generally very depressed.

Something similar does seem to be the reaction many of us have. Your pills may contribute, but, for me, I began to come out of it when I went to rehab. That really was a turning point, for me. A safe and kind place to build up my strength and confidence.

I do hope you have been (or will be) offered a Cardiac rehab programme?

[Callie456 in reply to Kristin1812]

Thanks Kristin, yes I have been attending rehab which has built my confidence in walking and general physical chores around the house. The program didn't include anything else about wellbeing or emotional aspects though.

[Kristin1812 Heart Star in reply to Callie456]

Good! It sounds like the rehab programme is different and can be patchy across the country, that’s v reassuring to hear you have been going and confidence is building. . On ours, we did have a session on anxiety and depression, but to be truthful it was more the group support and getting moving again that really helped me psychologically.

You’ll get there!

[Callie456 in reply to Kristin1812]

Thankyou for your encouragement

[Callie456]

Thanks Kristin, yes I have been attending rehab which has built my confidence in walking and general physical chores around the house. The program didn't include anything else about wellbeing or emotional aspects though.

[Hrty in reply to Callie456]

My rehab nurses, and physios, were brilliant. They always found time to chat about the emotional side as well as looking after us physically. We even had one session replaced by some presentations about our medication, what happens to our hearts, diet and the emotional impact. I was told about iTalk which I signed up for. I finished rehab lqst week and was told if I ever felt the need I could always ring them for advice.

[Callie456 in reply to Hrty]

That sounds really helpful to have all that information at rehab. Maybe I'll ask the physio if there's any opportunities for that sort of extra information to be presented. I think the team used to be bigger before covid, but the staffing hasn't returned to its usual level.What is iTalk?