Depression associated with nifedipine-induced calcium channel blockade.

Four cases are reported in which substantial depression was associated with the use of the calcium channel blocker nifedipine. In one instance, a patient became unresponsive to treatment with nortriptyline when nifedipine was introduced. In each case, the depression resolved following discontinuation of nifedipine. Possible mechanisms by which nifedipine may influence affective states are discussed.