Could Your Depression Be Related to Your Medication?

Depression is a condition characterized by feelings of profound sadness or a lack of interest in formerly enjoyable activities. There are a variety of factors that can lead to depression, including some common medications. However, the relationship may be more complicated than simple medication.

Symptoms of Depression

Depression caused by medications is diagnosed differently than for people who do not take medications. Medication-induced depression is a significant and persistent change in mood that occurs during use of certain medications, or within 1 month of intoxication with or withdrawal of medication therapy. Symptoms may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
• Restlessness or irritability (may be only symptoms present in children or adolescents)
• Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Feeling tired
• Trouble concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Trouble sleeping, waking up too early, or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Thoughts of death or suicide, with or without suicide attempts
• Physical symptoms without a standard diagnosis and not responding well to medical treatment

If you have any of these symptoms, consider checking your medicine cabinet. See if some of the medications you take could be at the root of your depression problems.

Medications Reported to Cause Depression

Some evidence supports the association of depression with many medications, including:

• Interferon
• Triptans for migraine headaches
• Oral contraceptives or other hormonal treatments
• Corticosteroids
• Medications to treat other psychiatric conditions
• Anti-seizure medications
• Oral acne medications (isotretinoin)
• Medications used to quit smoking
• Certain antiviral medications
• Cardiovascular medications

Although many medications have been identified, evidence to support medication-induced depression is limited and conflicting. Because depression is so complex, other factors may affect your mood as well.

It is important to remember, most people who take these medications will not become depressed AND not all cases of depression in people taking these medications will be a result of the medication.

How Other Factors Come into Play

The medical conditions that require some of these medications can themselves lead to depression. In addition, people with depression are more prone to certain medical conditions that require treatment. So, it is not always clear whether certain medications cause depression, or if people with depression more apt to need certain medications. Here are some other things that may also contribute to depression:

• Chronic illness, like cancer or heart disease
• Unknown or unrecognized mental illness
• Social factors, like unemployment or disability
• Past history with depression

The elderly may also be at higher risk for depression. It is common for elderly to have multiple medication prescriptions. It is possible that drugs which may not cause depression when taken alone, may do so when given in combination with other medications.

Talk to Your Doctor

Although other risk factors can muddy the waters, take some time to think about the onset of symptoms and the timing of the medication. Work with your doctor to determine which factors may be contributing to your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest changing or altering the medications you take. Do not stop taking prescription medication without talking to your doctor.

Whatever the cause, depression is treatable. Treatment will make you feel better, help you be more productive, and help you control whatever other health problems you might have.

Revision Information

• Reviewer: Michael Woods, MD
• Review Date: 07/2016
• Update Date: 10/16/2014