A large epidemiological study published in 2018 in JAMA found that 37.2% of U.S. adults were taking one or more prescription medications that list depression as a potential side effect. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29896627/
Medications with depressive effects appear in a very broad range of drug categories. Often, an enlightened doctor can switch you to a more appropriate med, IF YOU LET THEM KNOW HOW YOU ARE FEELING!
The worst offenders:
Hormonal therapies (e.g. birth control, HRT)
Steroids / corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, dexamethasone)
Benzodiazepines (e.g. alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam)
Anticonvulsants / antiseizure meds (e.g. topiramate, gabapentin, lamotrigine)
Beta-blockers & antihypertensives (e.g. metoprolol, atenolol, enalapril, quinapril, clonidine, methyldopa, reserpine)
Proton pump inhibitors & acid-reflux meds (e.g. omeprazole, esomeprazole, ranitidine, famotidine)
Pain and opioid meds (e.g. tramadol, hydrocodone)
Antibiotics (e.g. fluoroquinolones like levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin; possibly penicillins)
Asthma/allergy drugs like montelukast (Singulair) — now carries a boxed warning for serious mental health effects, including depression and suicidal ideation
Other depressogenic agents: isotretinoin (for acne), interferon-a, mefloquine, anti-androgen/anti-estrogen drugs (e.g. finasteride, anastrozole), certain Parkinson’s meds, cytokine therapies
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Include:
NSAIDs and pain relievers (e.g. ibuprofen, acetaminophen) — especially with long-term use
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) — may induce depression-like symptoms due to anticholinergic effects such as dysphoria, psychosis, or sedation—and can worsen mood
Dextromethorphan (DXM) – at high doses, may cause restlessness, mood changes, and psychotic symptoms
Pseudoephedrine – often used in decongestants; can induce anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and on withdrawal may cause mood drop and sadness
DISCLAIMER:
Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Information provided by CHS is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Any information given is only intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from scientific world literature. You are encouraged to make your own health care decisions based upon your own research of the subject and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
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