What is the connection between statins and depression?

A number of unofficial reports on the impact of statins on mental health have forced research workers to seek physiological connections between statins and depression. Statins are a class of drugs decreasing cholesterol prescribed to patients with cardiovascular conditions. Laboratory studies from 2010 may have found a possible link between statins and depression, although the side effects of the drug should always be considered together with its value.

In clinical trials, the side effects of statins seem to be relatively rare, with muscle pain one of the most common. However, a number of unofficial reports have emerged about statins and depression. According to scientists, these events were narrated not only by the patients themselves, but also by family members, carers, co -workers and friends, thus lenting some confidence.

It seems that the 2010 laboratory experiment suggests that while low cholesterol is generally considered to be a sign of good cardiovascular, it may not be such a good thing for the brain. INThe members found that serotonin cell receptors exposed to statin showed a reduced function. Serotonin affects mood and behavior. Once cholesterol was added to the cells, the receptors behaved normally.

Although it may be true that statins may affect the function of serotonin cell receptors, correlation between reduced cholesterol and depression is not so clear. Some researches from the 90s have shown a link between low cholesterol and severe depression, although the studies performed after that they were not able to replicate and confirm the association. However, some studies in Europe seem to indicate that men who murder and people who are trying to commit suicide are lower than the average level of cholesterol.

hostility, aggression, personality changes and memory loss were other conditions that were cited by persons using statins. Increased abuse of addictive substances was also mentioned. IsImportant to realize that these reports are unofficial, suggesting that more research on the impact of statins and depression needs to be carried out. Some experts feel that even if statins can worsen or cause depression, the occurrences are rare.

The side effects of any drug should be considered against positive benefits. Drugs classified as statins include atorvastatin, simvastatin and lovastatin. They are prescribed to people with cardiovascular conditions to reduce plaque accumulation in the walls of the blood vessels. Such accumulation can cause clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.