Many people are unaware that some medications have been associated with symptoms of depression as a side effect
The drugs are supposed to help you feel better, but they also carry risks, including depression. In fact, according to a study published in the journal JAMA, about a third of Americans take prescription drugs that they could potentially cause depression or increase the risk of suicide.
Because depression is so common in patients with serious chronic illnesses, it is often difficult to determine whether these medications are responsible for mood symptoms. However, it is essential to be aware of these possible associations.
Types of drugs that cause depression: here’s what they are
While not a comprehensive list, some common medications are associated with symptoms of depression. Among these, there are beta-blockers, generally prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. They can also be administered as eye drops in the treatment of glaucoma. Examples of this type of medication include Toprol XL (metoprolol) and Inderal (propranolol). The latter are commonly associated with depressive symptoms such as sexual problems and fatigue.
Corticosteroids are often used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and Sjögren’s syndrome, as well as other medical conditions. They can cause a variety of psychiatric symptoms. Among other effects, they are believed to affect serotonin, a substance produced by the brain that is thought to be involved in mood regulation. Examples of this type of medication include cortisone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone.
Drugs such as carbidopa and levodopa (Sinemet, Rytary, Duopa) that treat Parkinson’s disease affect the level of dopamine in the brain, which is one of the key chemicals involved in regulating mood, Ziffra says. According to the Parkinson Foundation, the disease is also linked to depression, due to the biological processes associated with the disease.
Also, estrogens and progestins used in contraceptive methods like the pill or patch have long been linked to a higher risk of depression. Some more recent research indicates that the same association may exist with hormone replacement therapy, prescribed to help with the side effects of menopause, including depression.
Stimulant medications may be prescribed to treat daytime sleepiness associated with conditions such as narcolepsy and may also be used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Provigil (modafinil) are some examples of this type. Although they have been used to augment antidepressants, there is also an association with worsening mood in some patients.
Anticonvulsants also appear on the list, used in the treatment of seizures. Because they affect chemicals in the brain thought to regulate mood, they can sometimes cause depression. Still, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and blockers are most commonly prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and have occasionally been associated with depression for reasons that are unclear.
Finally, there are statins (drugs most commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol) and anticholinergic drugs, often used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with medications such as Bentyl (dicyclomine).
It is important for individuals to be aware of the potential side effects of medications and to speak with their healthcare providers if they experience any symptoms of depression while taking these drugs.