Depression With Drugs

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDrugs That Can Cause DepressionSigns of DepressionWhat to Do Next

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Table of Contents

Drugs That Can Cause Depression

Signs of Depression

What to Do Next

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Many people are not aware that certain prescription drugs have been associated with the emergence or worsening ofdepression symptomsas a side effect, even in people who might not ordinarily be prone to depression. A 2018 study published inJAMAfound that more than a third of U.S. adults are taking a prescription medication that could potentially cause depression or increase suicide risk.

Since depression is so common in patients with medical illnesses, it is often difficult to establish whether these medications are to blame for the mood symptoms. However, it is essential to be aware of these possible associations.

This article discusses depression with drugs and the types of medications that are likely to cause symptoms. It also offers advice on what you can do to cope.

Types of Medications Causing Depression

While not a comprehensive list, the following are 10 common types of drugs that are associated with depression symptoms. You should consult with a doctor or pharmacist for information about your own specific medication regimen.

Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are generally prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, although they may also be used to treat migraines, angina, irregular heartbeat, and tremors. They may also be given as eye drops in the treatment of glaucoma. Examples of this type of drug include Toprol XL (metoprolol) and Inderal (propranolol).

There is some debate about the degree to which these medications may cause depression, but they are commonly associated with depression symptoms such as sexual problems and fatigue.

Corticosteroids

These medications are often used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Sjögren’s syndrome, and other medical conditions.

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Benzodiazepines

These drugs are usually used to treat anxiety and insomnia or, when necessary, to cause the muscles to relax. In certain circumstances, these drugs may lead to depression symptoms.

Benzodiazepines can also be habit-forming and may lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when people try to stop taking them. Common examples ofbenzodiazepinesincludeXanax(alprazolam), Restoril (temazepam), and Valium (diazepam).

Parkinson’s Drugs

Drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease affect a substance in the brain called dopamine. Abnormalities in this neurotransmitter have been thought to beassociated with depression.

Scientists believe that when these drugs cause dopamine to become elevated for long periods of time, it may also affect a person’s mood in certain patients.To further complicate this, there is a high incidence of depression in Parkinson’s disease itself.

The most commonly used medication in treating Parkinson’s disease is levodopa. Other common medications that may be used include Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) and Lodosyn (carbidopa).

Drugs That Affect Hormones

These drugs include hormonal forms ofbirth controlas well as estrogen replacement therapy formenopausal symptoms. Variations in hormone levels in women are often associated with depression symptoms, although it is not completely understood how this interaction occurs. Research suggests that progestin-only birth control is unlikely to cause symptoms of depression.

Estrogen’s Impact on Women’s Mental Health, According to a Doctor

Stimulants

Stimulant medications may be prescribed to treat daytime sleepiness associated with conditions like narcolepsy, and they may also be used in the treatment ofattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).

Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Provigil (modafinil) are some examples of this type of medication. Although they have been used to augment antidepressants, there is also an association of mood worsening with their use in some patients.

Stimulant medications can also produce dependence and withdrawal, which may lead to symptoms of depression, such as fatigue and sleep difficulties when people stop taking their medication.

The Connection Between Adderall and Depression

Anticonvulsants

These drugs are used in the treatment of seizures, although they may also be used in treating other conditions, such as bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain.

Because they affect the chemicals in the brain that are also believed to be responsible for regulating mood, they can sometimes cause depression.

Some examples these types of medication associated with an increased risk for depression include Tegretol (carbamazepine), Topamax (topiramate), and Neurontin (gabapentin), and barbituates and Sabril (vigabatrin).

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 Blockers

These medications are most commonly prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and have occasionally been associated with depression for reasons that aren’t clear.

Statins and Other Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

While statins are the most commonly prescribed drugs for lowering cholesterol, other drugs, such as fibrates, colesevelam, ezetimibe, and nicotinic acid can also be used for this purpose.

Anticholinergic Drugs

Anticholinergic drugs influence a variety of functions in the body, including slowing down the action of the intestines. They are often used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with medications like Bentyl (dicyclomine). However, because they affect the central nervous system, they may have some association with depressive symptoms, particularly in older adults.

Some case reports have indicated there may be an association between anticholinergic medications and mood disorders.However, some more recent research has not found such a link.However, research suggests that long-term use of such drugs may increase the risk of dementia.

Other Drugs That Can Cause DepressionSome other medications that may be linked to depressive side effects include:Acne medicationsPain relieversAllergy medicationsThyroid medicationsAntibiotics

Other Drugs That Can Cause Depression

Some other medications that may be linked to depressive side effects include:Acne medicationsPain relieversAllergy medicationsThyroid medicationsAntibiotics

Some other medications that may be linked to depressive side effects include:

The most noticeable symptom of depression is, of course, a feeling of sadness and low mood. Other than a depressed mood, however, there are other possible symptoms of depression that you might experience, like the following:

It can be helpful to write down details like when your symptoms first started and when they are the most severe. With many medications, you may start noticing such signs within the first few weeks after you begin a new drug.

Because many medications that can cause depression are not prescribed to treat mental health conditions, people may not be adequately warned of this possible risk.

It is also difficult to know what your individual reaction to a drug may be, or how it may interact with other medications that you are currently taking. For this reason, it is important to always fully inform your doctor about anything else you are taking, including any over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements.

Always talk to your doctor if you experience any unusual side effects after taking a medication.

If you believe that you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, whether they are related to a drug that you are taking or not, you should consult with your personal physician.

Do not stop taking your medication without your doctor’s permission. If you are experiencing severe depression or having thoughts of suicide, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention.

Every situation is different, so your doctor will look at your health history and symptoms in order to determine what steps to take next. In some cases, it may involve switching to a different medication or adjusting your dosage.

Your doctor will also try to determine if your depressive symptoms are linked to the new medication or some other cause. If there is an underlying depressive disorder, your doctor may recommend treatments such as antidepressants and psychotherapy.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

The Best Online Resources for Depression

16 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Qato DM, Ozenberger K, Olfson M.Prevalence of prescription medications with depression as a potential adverse effect among adults in the United States.JAMA.2018;319(22):2289-2298. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.6741Harvard Health Publishing.Blood pressure drugs and ED: What you need to know.Ciriaco M, Ventrice P, Russo G, et al.Corticosteroid-related central nervous system side effects.J Pharmacol Pharmacother.2013;4(Suppl 1):S94-8. doi:10.4103/0976-500X.120975National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.Celano CM, Freudenreich O, Fernandez-Robles C, Stern TA, Caro MA, Huffman JC.Depressogenic effects of medications: A review.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.2011;13(1):109-125. doi:10.31887%2FDCNS.2011.13.1%2FccelanoWorly BL, Gur TL, Schaffir J.The relationship between progestin hormonal contraception and depression: A systemic review.Contraception. 2018;97(6):478-489. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2018.01.010Oh Y, Joung YS, Kim J.Association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication and depression: A 10-year follow-up self-controlled case study.Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2022;20(2):320-329. doi:10.9758/cpn.2022.20.2.320National Institute on Drug Abuse.What you need to know about prescription stimulants?Vajda FJE, O’Brien TJ, Graham JE, et al.Antiepileptic drugs and depression during pregnancy in women with epilepsy.Acta Neurol Scand. 2020;142(4):350-355. doi:10.1111/ane.13315Laudisio A, Antonelli Incalzi R, Gemma A, et al.Use of proton-pump inhibitors is associated with depression: A population-based study.Int Psychogeriatr.2018;30(1):153-159. doi:10.1017/S1041610217001715Redlich C, Berk M, Williams LJ, Sundquist J, Sundquist K, Li X.Statin use and risk of depression: A Swedish national cohort study.BMC Psychiatry. 2014;14(1):348. doi:10.1186/s12888-014-0348-yHori K, Konishi K, Hanashi T, et al.Demonstrating the role of anticholinergic activity in a mood disorder.Neurodegener Dis. 2015;15(3):175-181. doi:10.1159/000381525Welk B, McArthur E.Are anticholinergic medications used for overactive bladder associated with new onset depression? A population-based matched cohort study.Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2020;29(12):1710-1714. doi:10.1002/pds.5147Wouters H, Hilmer SN, Gnjidic D, et al.Long-term exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications and cognitive and physical function in later life.The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. Published online January 21, 2019:glz019. doi:10.1093/gerona/glz019Lurie I, Yang YX, Haynes K, Mamtani R, Boursi B.Antibiotic exposure and the risk for depression, anxiety, or psychosis: A nested case-control study.J Clin Psychiatry. 2015;76(11):1522-1528. doi:10.4088/JCP.15m09961American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

16 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Qato DM, Ozenberger K, Olfson M.Prevalence of prescription medications with depression as a potential adverse effect among adults in the United States.JAMA.2018;319(22):2289-2298. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.6741Harvard Health Publishing.Blood pressure drugs and ED: What you need to know.Ciriaco M, Ventrice P, Russo G, et al.Corticosteroid-related central nervous system side effects.J Pharmacol Pharmacother.2013;4(Suppl 1):S94-8. doi:10.4103/0976-500X.120975National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.Celano CM, Freudenreich O, Fernandez-Robles C, Stern TA, Caro MA, Huffman JC.Depressogenic effects of medications: A review.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.2011;13(1):109-125. doi:10.31887%2FDCNS.2011.13.1%2FccelanoWorly BL, Gur TL, Schaffir J.The relationship between progestin hormonal contraception and depression: A systemic review.Contraception. 2018;97(6):478-489. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2018.01.010Oh Y, Joung YS, Kim J.Association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication and depression: A 10-year follow-up self-controlled case study.Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2022;20(2):320-329. doi:10.9758/cpn.2022.20.2.320National Institute on Drug Abuse.What you need to know about prescription stimulants?Vajda FJE, O’Brien TJ, Graham JE, et al.Antiepileptic drugs and depression during pregnancy in women with epilepsy.Acta Neurol Scand. 2020;142(4):350-355. doi:10.1111/ane.13315Laudisio A, Antonelli Incalzi R, Gemma A, et al.Use of proton-pump inhibitors is associated with depression: A population-based study.Int Psychogeriatr.2018;30(1):153-159. doi:10.1017/S1041610217001715Redlich C, Berk M, Williams LJ, Sundquist J, Sundquist K, Li X.Statin use and risk of depression: A Swedish national cohort study.BMC Psychiatry. 2014;14(1):348. doi:10.1186/s12888-014-0348-yHori K, Konishi K, Hanashi T, et al.Demonstrating the role of anticholinergic activity in a mood disorder.Neurodegener Dis. 2015;15(3):175-181. doi:10.1159/000381525Welk B, McArthur E.Are anticholinergic medications used for overactive bladder associated with new onset depression? A population-based matched cohort study.Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2020;29(12):1710-1714. doi:10.1002/pds.5147Wouters H, Hilmer SN, Gnjidic D, et al.Long-term exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications and cognitive and physical function in later life.The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. Published online January 21, 2019:glz019. doi:10.1093/gerona/glz019Lurie I, Yang YX, Haynes K, Mamtani R, Boursi B.Antibiotic exposure and the risk for depression, anxiety, or psychosis: A nested case-control study.J Clin Psychiatry. 2015;76(11):1522-1528. doi:10.4088/JCP.15m09961American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Qato DM, Ozenberger K, Olfson M.Prevalence of prescription medications with depression as a potential adverse effect among adults in the United States.JAMA.2018;319(22):2289-2298. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.6741Harvard Health Publishing.Blood pressure drugs and ED: What you need to know.Ciriaco M, Ventrice P, Russo G, et al.Corticosteroid-related central nervous system side effects.J Pharmacol Pharmacother.2013;4(Suppl 1):S94-8. doi:10.4103/0976-500X.120975National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.Celano CM, Freudenreich O, Fernandez-Robles C, Stern TA, Caro MA, Huffman JC.Depressogenic effects of medications: A review.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.2011;13(1):109-125. doi:10.31887%2FDCNS.2011.13.1%2FccelanoWorly BL, Gur TL, Schaffir J.The relationship between progestin hormonal contraception and depression: A systemic review.Contraception. 2018;97(6):478-489. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2018.01.010Oh Y, Joung YS, Kim J.Association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication and depression: A 10-year follow-up self-controlled case study.Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2022;20(2):320-329. doi:10.9758/cpn.2022.20.2.320National Institute on Drug Abuse.What you need to know about prescription stimulants?Vajda FJE, O’Brien TJ, Graham JE, et al.Antiepileptic drugs and depression during pregnancy in women with epilepsy.Acta Neurol Scand. 2020;142(4):350-355. doi:10.1111/ane.13315Laudisio A, Antonelli Incalzi R, Gemma A, et al.Use of proton-pump inhibitors is associated with depression: A population-based study.Int Psychogeriatr.2018;30(1):153-159. doi:10.1017/S1041610217001715Redlich C, Berk M, Williams LJ, Sundquist J, Sundquist K, Li X.Statin use and risk of depression: A Swedish national cohort study.BMC Psychiatry. 2014;14(1):348. doi:10.1186/s12888-014-0348-yHori K, Konishi K, Hanashi T, et al.Demonstrating the role of anticholinergic activity in a mood disorder.Neurodegener Dis. 2015;15(3):175-181. doi:10.1159/000381525Welk B, McArthur E.Are anticholinergic medications used for overactive bladder associated with new onset depression? A population-based matched cohort study.Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2020;29(12):1710-1714. doi:10.1002/pds.5147Wouters H, Hilmer SN, Gnjidic D, et al.Long-term exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications and cognitive and physical function in later life.The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. Published online January 21, 2019:glz019. doi:10.1093/gerona/glz019Lurie I, Yang YX, Haynes K, Mamtani R, Boursi B.Antibiotic exposure and the risk for depression, anxiety, or psychosis: A nested case-control study.J Clin Psychiatry. 2015;76(11):1522-1528. doi:10.4088/JCP.15m09961American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

Qato DM, Ozenberger K, Olfson M.Prevalence of prescription medications with depression as a potential adverse effect among adults in the United States.JAMA.2018;319(22):2289-2298. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.6741

Harvard Health Publishing.Blood pressure drugs and ED: What you need to know.

Ciriaco M, Ventrice P, Russo G, et al.Corticosteroid-related central nervous system side effects.J Pharmacol Pharmacother.2013;4(Suppl 1):S94-8. doi:10.4103/0976-500X.120975

National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.

Celano CM, Freudenreich O, Fernandez-Robles C, Stern TA, Caro MA, Huffman JC.Depressogenic effects of medications: A review.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.2011;13(1):109-125. doi:10.31887%2FDCNS.2011.13.1%2Fccelano

Worly BL, Gur TL, Schaffir J.The relationship between progestin hormonal contraception and depression: A systemic review.Contraception. 2018;97(6):478-489. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2018.01.010

Oh Y, Joung YS, Kim J.Association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication and depression: A 10-year follow-up self-controlled case study.Clin Psychopharmacol Neurosci. 2022;20(2):320-329. doi:10.9758/cpn.2022.20.2.320

National Institute on Drug Abuse.What you need to know about prescription stimulants?

Vajda FJE, O’Brien TJ, Graham JE, et al.Antiepileptic drugs and depression during pregnancy in women with epilepsy.Acta Neurol Scand. 2020;142(4):350-355. doi:10.1111/ane.13315

Laudisio A, Antonelli Incalzi R, Gemma A, et al.Use of proton-pump inhibitors is associated with depression: A population-based study.Int Psychogeriatr.2018;30(1):153-159. doi:10.1017/S1041610217001715

Redlich C, Berk M, Williams LJ, Sundquist J, Sundquist K, Li X.Statin use and risk of depression: A Swedish national cohort study.BMC Psychiatry. 2014;14(1):348. doi:10.1186/s12888-014-0348-y

Hori K, Konishi K, Hanashi T, et al.Demonstrating the role of anticholinergic activity in a mood disorder.Neurodegener Dis. 2015;15(3):175-181. doi:10.1159/000381525

Welk B, McArthur E.Are anticholinergic medications used for overactive bladder associated with new onset depression? A population-based matched cohort study.Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf. 2020;29(12):1710-1714. doi:10.1002/pds.5147

Wouters H, Hilmer SN, Gnjidic D, et al.Long-term exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications and cognitive and physical function in later life.The Journals of Gerontology: Series A. Published online January 21, 2019:glz019. doi:10.1093/gerona/glz019

Lurie I, Yang YX, Haynes K, Mamtani R, Boursi B.Antibiotic exposure and the risk for depression, anxiety, or psychosis: A nested case-control study.J Clin Psychiatry. 2015;76(11):1522-1528. doi:10.4088/JCP.15m09961

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

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