What medications cause your triglycerides to go up?

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, high triglycerides can be a side effect of taking certain medications, such as diuretics, steroids, and some beta-blockers. Knowing what medications cause your triglycerides to go up is crucial for managing your lipid health while undergoing necessary treatment for other conditions.

Quick Summary

Several drug classes, including diuretics, beta-blockers, antipsychotics, and certain hormonal therapies, can cause elevated triglyceride levels. It is important to discuss lipid monitoring with a healthcare provider when starting a new medication that may affect cholesterol.

Key Points

Diuretics and Beta-Blockers: Certain blood pressure medications, particularly older beta-blockers and high-dose thiazide diuretics, can raise triglyceride levels.
Steroids: Corticosteroids like prednisone are known to increase triglyceride concentrations, especially with prolonged use.
Psychiatric Drugs: Second-generation antipsychotics, such as clozapine and olanzapine, are associated with significant metabolic side effects, including hypertriglyceridemia.
Hormonal Therapies: Medications containing estrogen, including oral contraceptives, can elevate triglycerides.
Antiretrovirals: Some protease inhibitors used for HIV treatment are known to cause higher triglyceride levels.
Monitor and Manage: It is vital for healthcare providers to monitor a patient’s lipid profile when starting medications known to affect triglycerides and to manage any elevation with lifestyle changes or additional medication.

Introduction to Drug-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood that your body uses for energy. Elevated levels of triglycerides, a condition known as hypertriglyceridemia, can increase the risk of heart disease and pancreatitis. While diet, genetics, and lifestyle are common contributing factors, certain medications can also cause your triglycerides to go up as a side effect. This is often a temporary effect, but consistent monitoring is essential, especially for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking if your triglyceride levels are a concern.

Diuretics and their effect on triglycerides

Diuretics, often called "water pills," are a class of medications used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions by increasing the excretion of salt and water from the body. Some types of diuretics, particularly thiazides and loop diuretics, are known to raise triglyceride levels.

Thiazide Diuretics: Thiazides, such as hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone, can increase triglycerides, especially at higher doses (e.g., above 25 mg daily). The effect is typically mild and temporary, and the cardiovascular benefits often outweigh this side effect.
Loop Diuretics: Medications like furosemide can also cause temporary increases in triglycerides.

How beta-blockers influence lipid levels

Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and other cardiovascular issues. The effect of beta-blockers on triglycerides varies depending on the specific agent.

Older (non-selective) Beta-Blockers: Medications such as propranolol, metoprolol, and atenolol are more likely to increase triglycerides and decrease HDL ('good') cholesterol. This effect is particularly noted in individuals who smoke.
Newer (selective or vasodilating) Beta-Blockers: Newer agents like carvedilol and nebivolol are less likely to have a negative impact on lipid levels.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs used for conditions like asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. Their use is a well-documented cause of hypertriglyceridemia. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in the metabolism of fats in the liver. Long-term corticosteroid use is associated with a greater risk of elevated triglycerides.

Antipsychotic and mental health medications

Certain psychiatric medications, particularly second-generation or atypical antipsychotics, are known to cause metabolic side effects, including weight gain and elevated lipids.

Second-generation antipsychotics: Clozapine and olanzapine have the highest risk of increasing triglyceride levels. Other examples include quetiapine and risperidone.
Antidepressants: Some antidepressants, such as venlafaxine and mirtazapine, have also been associated with changes in lipid levels.

Antiretroviral therapies for HIV

Some medications used to treat HIV can lead to increased triglyceride levels. Protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir, are particularly known for this effect. This is a key consideration in the long-term management of HIV patients.

Hormonal therapies

Hormonal medications and therapies can significantly impact triglyceride levels.

Oral Estrogen: High-dose oral estrogen and birth control pills containing estrogen can increase triglyceride concentrations. The effect varies by formulation and dose.
Tamoxifen: Used in breast cancer treatment, tamoxifen can also be associated with elevated triglycerides.

Immunosuppressants and retinoids

Immunosuppressants: Drugs like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation, can cause hypertriglyceridemia.
Retinoids: Isotretinoin, a retinoid used for severe acne, is known to cause a significant increase in triglycerides in some people, which can lead to pancreatitis. Close monitoring of lipid levels is standard practice during treatment.

Comparison of Medications and their Triglyceride Effects


Medication Class	Examples	Potential Effect on Triglycerides	Notes
Diuretics	Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide	Mild to moderate increase	Effect more pronounced with higher doses.
Beta-Blockers	Propranolol, Atenolol, Metoprolol	Mild increase (older types)	Newer types (carvedilol) are less likely to cause this side effect.
Corticosteroids	Prednisone	Moderate to significant increase	Risk is higher with long-term use.
Antipsychotics	Clozapine, Olanzapine	Moderate to significant increase	Metabolic side effects are a known issue.
Antiretrovirals	Ritonavir (Protease inhibitors)	Moderate to significant increase	Important consideration for long-term HIV management.
Hormonal Therapies	Oral Estrogen, Tamoxifen	Mild to moderate increase	Effect is dose and formulation-dependent.
Retinoids	Isotretinoin	Potentially significant increase	Can increase risk of pancreatitis in some cases.
Immunosuppressants	Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus	Variable increase	Used for organ transplant prevention.

Managing Medication-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia

For many patients, the benefits of taking these medications far outweigh the risk of elevated triglycerides. However, it is essential to manage this side effect proactively. Your doctor may suggest the following steps:

Lifestyle Changes: A cornerstone of management, including a low-fat, low-sugar diet, increased physical activity, and limiting alcohol intake.
Dosage Adjustment: In some cases, your doctor may be able to lower the dosage of the medication to minimize the effect on your lipid levels.
Switching Medications: If appropriate, a different medication within the same class might be used. For example, a newer beta-blocker might replace an older one.
Adding Another Medication: Lipid-lowering medications like statins or fibrates might be prescribed to counteract the effect of the primary drug.

Conclusion

Recognizing that certain medications can elevate triglyceride levels is an important aspect of a comprehensive health approach. Common culprits include diuretics, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, and specific antipsychotic, antiretroviral, and hormonal therapies. While these drugs are often essential for treating other serious conditions, it is crucial to monitor lipid levels closely. Always discuss any concerns about medication side effects with your healthcare provider. For more information on managing triglycerides, consult with a qualified medical professional. For detailed insights into cardiovascular health, you can visit the Mayo Clinic website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some blood pressure medications can raise your triglycerides. Older beta-blockers like propranolol and atenolol, as well as high doses of certain diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide, have been shown to increase triglyceride levels.

Certain mental health medications, particularly second-generation antipsychotics like clozapine and olanzapine, can cause elevated triglyceride levels as a side effect. Some antidepressants may also affect lipid levels.

Yes, hormonal therapies and oral contraceptive pills containing estrogen can increase triglyceride levels. The extent of this effect depends on the specific medication and dosage.

Certain antiretroviral drugs, specifically protease inhibitors used in the treatment of HIV, have been identified as a cause of increased triglycerides.

No, you should never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. The benefits of your medication may outweigh the risk of elevated triglycerides, and your doctor can discuss management options, such as diet changes or alternative drugs.

No, not all beta-blockers increase triglycerides. Newer beta-blockers, such as carvedilol, are less likely to affect lipid levels compared to older beta-blockers like propranolol.

Management typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and, if necessary, medication adjustments or the addition of lipid-lowering drugs like statins or fibrates. Your doctor will tailor the approach to your specific health needs.