Based on NIH | Can losartan cause depression, and how common is this side effect?

Can Losartan Cause Depression?

Yes, depression is listed among the possible adverse reactions for losartan (brand name Cozaar) and for the combination product losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (brand name Hyzaar). ^[1] Depression appears in the “Psychiatric disorders” category of adverse events reported with losartan across multiple official product labels. ^{[2] [3]} In combination products that include hydrochlorothiazide, depression is also noted within nervous system/psychiatric events. ^{[4] [5]}

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How Common Is Depression With Losartan?

Depression is described as a “less common” or infrequent adverse reaction in losartan labeling, rather than a common event. ^[1] In clinical trial summaries, the commonly reported side effects with losartan were dizziness, upper respiratory infection, nasal congestion, and back pain, while depression was listed among less common psychiatric reactions without a precise percentage, implying a low frequency relative to common events. ^[1] The broader losartan labels enumerate depression among many nervous system/psychiatric reactions, again without specifying a high incidence, supporting that it is uncommon. ^{[2] [3]}

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What The Official Labels Say

• Cozaar (losartan) labels include depression among psychiatric adverse reactions alongside anxiety, insomnia, somnolence, tremor, and others. ^{[2] [3]}
• A losartan tablet label specifically categorizes depression as a “less common adverse reaction” under psychiatric disorders. ^[1]
• Hyzaar (losartan/hydrochlorothiazide) product information lists depression among nervous system/psychiatric events reported post‑marketing or in trials. ^{[4] [5]}

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Comparison With Other Antihypertensives

Older reviews of antihypertensive drugs suggest that some classes (for example, reserpine and alpha‑methyldopa) have stronger links to depression, whereas diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors are generally associated with lower risk. ^[6] While these reviews do not single out ARBs like losartan as high‑risk, they help contextualize that losartan’s depression risk appears low compared with certain older agents known to affect neurotransmitters more directly. ^[6]

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Practical Takeaways

• Depression can occur with losartan, but it appears to be uncommon. ^[1]
• If new or worsening low mood, loss of interest, sleep changes, or persistent sadness develop after starting losartan, it may be reasonable to consider the medicine as a possible contributor and discuss with a clinician. ^[1]
• Because losartan is widely used and depression is relatively infrequent in its labeling, many people tolerate it well; however, individual responses vary, and monitoring symptoms is sensible. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

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Structured Summary

Topic	Key Points
Is depression reported with losartan?	Yes; listed as a psychiatric adverse reaction in multiple official labels. [2] [3] [1]
Frequency	Characterized as “less common” rather than common; precise rates not specified. [1]
Combination product (losartan/HCTZ)	Depression is also reported among nervous system/psychiatric reactions. [4] [5]
Context vs. other antihypertensives	Older evidence indicates higher depression risk with certain older agents; ARBs like losartan are not highlighted as high-risk. [6]
Clinical approach	Monitor mood; if symptoms arise, consider evaluation and possible medication review. [1]

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Bottom Line

Depression is a recognized but uncommon side effect of losartan according to official product information. ^[1] Multiple losartan labels list depression among reported psychiatric reactions, but common side effects tend to be dizziness and respiratory symptoms, not mood changes. ^{[1] [2] [3]}