Although several side effects are associated with Vytorin, depression has been reported in less than 1 percent of patients. Because it is so rare, it is unclear whether depression is actually caused by the medication or by something else. Signs indicating a possible link between Vytorin and depression include feelings of hopelessness and pessimism; persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood; and decreased energy or fatigue.
Vytorin and Depression: An Overview
There are many possible side effects for people taking
Vytorin® (
ezetimibe/
simvastatin). One of the rarer
Vytorin side effects is
depression, occurring in less than 1 percent of people taking the drug. Because it is so infrequent, however, it is difficult to say whether depression is caused by the medicine itself or by something else. This is especially true, since in any given one-year period, 9.5 percent of the population (about 18.8 million American adults) suffers from depression.
Vytorin and Depression: What to Look For
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, and being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss; overeating and weight gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness and irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.
Keep in mind that there are other conditions that can share similar symptoms with depression. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Vytorin, you should visit your healthcare provider so that the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated.
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