Based on NIH | Is depression a known side effect of atorvastatin, and how common is it?

Depression and Atorvastatin: What We Know

• Depression is listed as a possible adverse effect of atorvastatin (a statin used to lower cholesterol), but it appears to be uncommon. ^{[1] [2]}
• Official prescribing information groups depression under “psychiatric disorders,” without a precise frequency, which typically implies a rare or infrequent event observed in post‑marketing reports. ^{[1] [3]}
• Large population studies and meta-analyses have not shown a higher risk of depression with statins; in fact, pooled observational data suggest statin users may have a lower risk of developing depression compared with non‑users. ^{[4] [5]}

What official labels say

• Atorvastatin’s U.S. label includes “depression” under psychiatric adverse reactions reported after approval. ^{[1] [3]}
• Labels also note rare, generally reversible cognitive symptoms (such as memory issues or confusion), which are distinct from depression but sometimes discussed together in patient reports. ^{[1] [6]}
• Because these psychiatric events were identified from spontaneous reports, labels do not provide an exact rate, but their inclusion signals that depression has been observed rarely in real‑world use. ^{[1] [7]}

How common is it?

• The label does not provide a numeric frequency for depression with atorvastatin, which usually means the true rate is unknown and likely low. ^{[1] [3]}
• When researchers pooled data from observational studies, statin use overall was associated with a lower odds of depression compared with no statin use (about 32% lower odds in adjusted analyses), suggesting no increased average risk at the population level. ^{[4] [5]}

Interpreting the evidence

• Putting the label and research together, depression can occur during atorvastatin therapy, but it seems to be uncommon and not consistently higher than background rates; some studies even suggest a protective association. ^{[1] [4]}
• Individual responses vary, and rare idiosyncratic reactions can happen with any medicine; monitoring your mood after starting or changing a dose is reasonable. ^{[1] [2]}

Related considerations

• Cognitive complaints (memory loss, confusion) have been rarely reported with statins and are typically non-serious and reversible after stopping the drug, with onset ranging from days to years and median recovery around three weeks. ^{[1] [6]}
• If new or worsening low mood, loss of interest, or suicidal thoughts appear after starting atorvastatin, it’s sensible to discuss timing and options (dose adjustment, switch, or further evaluation) with a clinician. ^{[1] [2]}

Quick summary table

Topic	What the atorvastatin label says	What research suggests	Practical takeaway
Depression listed as side effect	Yes, under psychiatric disorders; frequency not specified	No overall increased risk; pooled observational data show lower odds vs. non‑use	Possible but uncommon; monitor symptoms and discuss concerns
Cognitive symptoms	Rare, usually reversible after discontinuation; variable onset, median recovery ~3 weeks	Not focused on depression risk, but confirms rare neurocognitive reports	Distinct from depression; still worth monitoring

^{[1] [3] [6] [4] [5]}

Bottom line

• Depression is a recognized but uncommon post‑marketing adverse effect of atorvastatin, and labels include it for awareness. ^{[1] [3]}
• Population‑level evidence does not show an increased risk of depression with statins and may suggest a lower risk compared with non‑users. ^{[4] [5]}
• If mood changes emerge after starting atorvastatin, consider the timing, rule out other causes, and speak with a healthcare professional about next steps; many reported neuropsychiatric effects, when they occur, improve after adjusting or stopping the medication. ^{[1] [6]}