Studies show common prescription medications raise DEPRESSION risk

By oliviacook // 2023-07-31

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Numerous studies have associated certain prescription with the emergence or worsening of depression symptoms. A recent study published in JAMA found that more than a third of U.S. adults are taking prescription medications that could potentially cause depression or increase suicide risk. While not a comprehensive list, the following are common types of pharmaceutical drugs that have been found to cause depression symptoms. (Related: 10 Classes of medication that can cause or worsen DEPRESSION.)

Medications that influence hormones

Hormonal contraceptives are known to cause depression in some patients. A study published in the journal Australian Prescriber indicated that the link between oral contraceptive pills and depression relates to the amount and type of progestogen contained in the pills. Many of the older oral contraceptive pills, which contain ethinylestradiol, are linked to severe mood problems. The study warned that progestogen-only contraceptives increase the likelihood of developing depressive disorders in vulnerable women. The researchers said it is critical for clinicians to consider the history given by many women of a clear temporal relationship between starting or using a hormonal contraceptive and the development of new or worsened depression.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (benzos) are a class of medications used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia and seizures, in addition to being used as a sedative before surgery. Benzos do not cause depression, but they can contribute to the development of depression and worsen symptoms in people suffering from depression. You can think of benzos as more of a catalyst for depression rather than a direct cause. Long-term benzo abuse is believed to not only cause addiction but also contribute to mental illnesses.

Beta-blockers

Beta-blockers are generally prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure, although they may also be used to treat angina, irregular heartbeat, migraines and tremors. They may also be given as eye drops for the treatment of glaucoma. There is some debate about the degree to which these medications may cause depression, but they are commonly associated with depression symptoms, such as fatigue, listlessness and sexual problems (erectile dysfunction), explained Dr. Randall Zusman, a cardiologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.

Neurologic medications for the treatment of seizure disorders

A study published in the journal Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience reported that most anticonvulsants have been linked to the development of depressive symptoms in a small percentage of patients. In particular, barbiturates, vigabatrin, and topiramate are said to be more of a catalyst than others. Patients at high risk of depression who are prescribed these medications should be monitored for the emergence of depression.

Medications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease affect a substance in the brain called dopamine – the "feel good" neurotransmitter. Researchers have found that abnormalities in dopaminergic transmission may contribute to the high prevalence of depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The mainstay of therapy for patients with Parkinson’s is dopamine replacement – typically with levodopa – which has been suspected of causing depression. A randomized controlled trial published in the journal Acta Neurologica Scandinavica reported a significant increase in depression among patients treated with levodopa for one year.

Medications for the treatment of migraine headaches

Flunarizine, a calcium-channel antagonist used for acute and prophylactic treatment of migraine headaches, has been associated with depression. In a randomized, double-blind, prospective study published in the journal Headache, eight percent of flunarizine-treated patients developed depressive symptoms that led to treatment discontinuation. As a result of this medication's effect on mood and its propensity to cause extrapyramidal symptoms, it is now only used as a second-line treatment for patients with migraines.

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs)

These medications are commonly prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. One example is omeprazole, which is sold under the brand names Prilosec and Losec. A study published in the journal International Psychogeriatrics which involved more than 300 inhabitants of Tuscania (a town Italy) reported that proton pump inhibitors are a frequent cause of depression in older populations. Higher PPI dosages were found to be linked to an increased risk of depression, highlighting the need for the mental health of elderly patients on PPIs to be routinely checked by their healthcare providers. There are many more commonly prescribed medications that can cause depression or other serious side effects. Learn more about them at BadMedicine.news. Watch this video to learn about medications that change your personality. This video is from the Objective: Health channel on Brighteon.com.

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