Heart Health Heart Failure Drugs That Can Exacerbate Heart Failure Certain stimulants and antidepressants can make things worse By Richard N. Fogoros, MD Richard N. Fogoros, MD Facebook LinkedIn Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 22, 2022 Medically reviewed by Jeffrey S. Lander, MD Medically reviewed by Jeffrey S. Lander, MD LinkedIn Twitter Jeffrey S. Lander, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist and the President and Governor of the American College of Cardiology, New Jersey chapter. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Why They Worsen Heart Failure Precautions and Contraindications Thiazolidinediones (TZD) Hormonal Therapies Stimulants Chemotherapy Drugs Antidepressants Opioids If you're living with congestive heart failure (CHF), it's important to be aware there are certain medications that could exacerbate your condition. Some drugs, including many used to treat other ailments, are known to worsen heart failure, typically by raising blood pressure and heart rate, creating an irregular heartbeat, or causing edema (swelling) due to a buildup of fluid in the body. Others may interact with medications you're taking to treat congestive heart failure. If you have heart failure, check with your healthcare provider before taking any medications, vitamins, or supplements. ZhangXun / Moment / Getty Images Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories treat pain and inflammation caused by conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and musculoskeletal injuries. They're effective for relieving headaches, lowering fevers, and preventing blood clots. Drugs in this class include both over-the-counter (OTC) medications as well as prescription-strength treatments. Most people can safely take NSAIDs, but there are some potential risks associated with long-term or frequent use, such as stomach ulcers and kidney problems. Examples include: Aspirin Advil, Motrin (ibuprofen) Aleve, Naprosyn (naproxen) Clinoril (sulindac) Daypro (oxaprozin) Etodolac Nabumetone Vimovo (naproxen/esomeprazole) Zorvolex (dilofenac) COX-2 inhibitors, such as Celebrex (celecoxib) Feldene (piroxicam) Indocin (indomethacin) Mobic (meloxican) Why They Worsen Heart Failure For people with congestive heart failure, even short-term use of NSAIDs can increase blood pressure and interfere with blood-pressure-lowering drugs. When blood pressure is high, the heart must work harder to pump blood which can contribute to weakening of the heart muscle over time. Many over-the-counter cough and cold medications contain an NSAID and so it's important to read labels before taking one if you've also recently taken a multi-symptom drug (such as some cold medications, which include decongestants among other medications). Precautions and Contraindications The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns NSAIDs can increase the chance of a heart attack or stroke, either of which can lead to death. Those serious side effects can occur as early as the first few weeks of using an NSAID, and the risk might rise the longer an NSAID is taken. Besides exacerbating heart failure, NSAIDs can worsen hypertension (high blood pressure). An Overview of Cyclooxygenase (COX) Thiazolidinediones (TZD) Thiazolidinediones (also called glitazones) are a class of oral medications for treating type 2 diabetes. They're prescribed to lower glucose (sugar) levels in the blood by reducing the body’s resistance to insulin. They do this by targeting the PPAR-gamma receptor, which activates a number of genes in the body and plays an important role in how the body metabolizes glucose and stores fat. Examples include: Avandia (rosiglitazone)Actos (pioglitazone)Combination pills containing pioglitazone and rosiglitazone along with other diabetes medications such as metformin Why They Worsen Heart Failure Thiazolidinediones can cause people with moderate to severe heart failure to retain dangerous levels of fluid that can potentially compromise the function of the lungs. An Overview of Oral Diabetes Medication Precautions and Contraindications The risk of heart failure appears to be a class side effect of TZDs, based on research. In one review of three randomized controlled trials of more than 10,000 people taking TZDs it was revealed the drug doubled the risk of heart failure compared with control subjects. What to Know About Actos (Pioglitazone) Hormonal Therapies These include estrogen replacement therapy prescribed to help assuage hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss, and other symptoms associated with menopause as well as oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen and, sometimes, synthetic progesterone as well. The latter are used not only to prevent pregnancy but also to treat menstrual issues such as painful periods, PMS, irregular cycles, and excessive bleeding. Examples include: Synthetic estrogens like Premarin and Ethinylestradiol Estradiol (Estrace, Estratab, Yuvafem, Vivelle-Dot, Delestrogen, EstroGel) Progestin, a synthetic progesterone (Endometrin, Prometrium, First Progesterone, Provera) Birth control pills combining various combinations of synthetic progesterone and estrogen (Microgynon, Rigevidon, Ovranette) Why They Worsen Heart Failure Birth control pills and hormone replacement can raise blood pressure and they can increase the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. However, it is not necessarily the elevated blood pressure that leads to the blood clots, strokes, heart attack. Precautions and Contraindications High-blood pressure must be well-controlled before initiating a trial of hormone therapy and blood pressure must be closely monitored. Birth Control Pills and High Blood Pressure Stimulants These include psychotropic drugs for treating conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and social anxiety disorder, among others. They increase alertness, attention, and energy by raising the levels of certain brain chemicals. Examples include: Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine) Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) Vyvanse, Zenzedi, Procentra, Dextrostat, Spansule (lisdexamfetamine) Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) Ritalin, Concerta (methylphenidate) Adipex-P, Lomaira (phentermine) Why They Worsen Heart Failure Stimulants pose a risk to people with heart failure because they are known to elevate both blood pressure and heart rate. Precautions and Contraindications Package inserts for stimulants warn that people with preexisting heart disease or cardiac abnormalities should not take these medications due to risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or even sudden death. In 2011, the FDA issued a safety announcement regarding the safety of stimulants for people with cardiac conditions. The FDA's statement stipulated:Stimulant products and atomoxetine should generally not be used in people with serious heart problems, or for whom an increase in blood pressure or heart rate would be problematic.People treated with ADHD medications should be periodically monitored for changes in heart rate or blood pressure. Chemotherapy Drugs A number of medications used to treat cancer are associated with potential heart issues. However, the class of drugs of most concern are anthracyclines, which are derived from antibiotics that inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis and prevent cancer cells from growing. Examples include: Cerubidine (daunorubicin)Doxil (doxorubicin liposomal)Ellence (epirubicin)Idamycin (idarubicin)Valstar (valrubicin) Why they Worsen Heart Failure Anthracyclines can permanently damage the heart muscle, especially when given at a high dose. They do so by causing the formation of free radicals—pairs of electrons that damage the body's cells, ultimately causing damage to the heart's left ventricle. Precautions and Contraindications Because chemotherapy drugs are known for the risk they pose to the heart, an oncologist will carefully consider a person's cardiac health when prescribing them. Because of the potential damage to the heart, particularly for those with heart failure, lifetime dose limits (also called cumulative dose) are often placed on chemotherapy drugs. Doxorubicin Side Effects and Heart Problems Antidepressants Antidepressants help relieve symptoms of depression, social anxiety disorder, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions by altering brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that pass along signals from one nerve cell to another in the brain. These chemicals include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Different antidepressants seem to affect how these neurotransmitters work in different ways. There are five classes of antidepressant: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Celexa (citalopram), and Lexapro (escitalopram), and othersSerotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): Cymbalta (duloxetine), Effexor (venlafaxine), Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), and othersTricyclics: Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine), and othersMonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): including Nardil (phenelzine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), and others (which can cause dangerous interactions with certain foods—such as cheeses, wines, and pickles)Atypical antidepressants: Wellbutrin (bupropion), and others Why They Worsen Heart Failure Antidepressants can have numerous negative effects on the heart and the cardiovascular system. According to one review these may include: Bradycardia (slowed heart rate) Tachycardia (increased heart rate) Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) Hypertension Hypotension (depressed blood pressure) Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon rising from a sitting or prone position) Electrocardiogram (EKG) changes Electrolyte imbalances Reduced cardiac conduction and output Sudden death However, for the most part cardiac side effects caused by antidepressants are relatively rare and are not associated with all classes of the drugs. Some literature shows SSRIs may increase the risk of clotting and other literature shows they increase the risk of bleeding. Precautions and Contraindications Because of the potential blood clotting issues linked to SSRIs, they may not be a safe option for people who take a daily aspirin for heart health (or any other NSAID, for that matter). Tricyclics may affect heart rhythms and for people for whom arrhythmias are an issue an SSRI is likely safer. Antidepressant Use Among People With Heart Disease Opioids Opioids are a class of drug derived from the opium poppy plant. They primarily are prescribed to relieve severe pain, such as after a serious injury or surgical procedure. They work by blocking pain signals between the brain and the body. Examples include: CodeineMorphineVicodin (hydrocodone)Percocet (oxycodone/paracetamol)Actiq, Fentora, Duragesic (fentanyl)Oxycontin (oxycodone) Why They Worsen Heart Failure Opioids are associated with a host of heart issues, including an increase in low-density lipoproteins and free triglycerides, heart infections, and atrial fibrillation. They also can slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, cause ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation. If opioids are injected with dirty needles, there is a risk of infectious endocarditis. Precautions and Contraindications Opioids are highly addictive and must be prescribed and used with care. In fact, heroin, an illicit street drug, is an opioid, as is methadone, a medication often used to treat heroin addiction. An opioid generally should be considered a drug of last resort for treating chronic pain, as taking one for an extended period significantly heightens the risk of addiction. Crystal Meth Causes Severe Heart Damage 9 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. FDA. FDA strengthens the warning of heart attack and stroke for NSAIDs. Hernandez, AV, Usmani A, Rajamanickam A, et al. Thiazolidinediones and risk of heart failure in patients with or at high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2011;11:115–128. doi:10.2165/11587580-000000000-00000 Sedlak T, Bairey Merz CN, Shufelt C, et al. Contraception in patients with heart failure, Circulation HA. 2012;126:1396–1400. doi.10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.111.070607 Food and Drug Administration. FDA drug safety communication: Safety review update of medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and young adults. American Cancer Society. How chemotherapy drugs work. Yekehtaz H, Farokhnia M, Akhondzadeh S. Cardiovascular considerations in antidepressant therapy: An evidence-based review. J Tehran Heart Cent; 8(4):169-76. Harvard Health. What are the real risks of antidepressants? American Heart Association. Concerns about heart health and the opioid-meth epidemic. American College of Cardiology. The opioid crisis: A call to action for cardiovascular professionals. By Richard N. Fogoros, MD Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified in internal medicine, clinical cardiology, and clinical electrophysiology. 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