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Jacqui Henry, who claims an improved state of well-being, experienced depression due to her 15-year use of hormonal contraceptives to alleviate the pain caused by endometriosis. Image credit: Jacqui Henry
NEW YORK, July 18 (UPI) — Experts have highlighted the potential side effects of certain prescription medications, noting that the treatment itself can sometimes be more severe than the underlying disease. Depression and suicidal thoughts have been listed as potential side effects for various drugs, including commonly prescribed treatments for conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anti-seizure medications, heartburn therapies, pain drugs, and hormonal birth control medications. However, individuals experiencing depression and suicidal ideation while on prescription treatment for other health conditions should not discontinue their medication without consulting their doctors.
“Depression and sometimes suicidal thoughts are described as side effects for a variety of medications used for non-psychiatric conditions, including steroids, hormonal agents, and other drugs,” explained Dr. Sanjay J. Mathew, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He added that the prevalence of these side effects varies based on the drug and indication.
Depression is a prevalent issue
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent and intense feelings of sadness. Symptoms may include persistent sadness, irritability, loss of interest in activities, sleep problems, and fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in five adults in the United States has been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. However, it remains unclear how many individuals develop depression as a side effect of the medications they are taking for other health conditions.
Various commonly used prescription drugs have been associated with depression and suicidal thoughts. For example, corticosteroids used to treat inflammatory disorders like arthritis, stimulant drugs prescribed for ADHD such as Adderall, and medications for heartburn and acid reflux like omeprazole have been linked to depression in a small percentage of patients. Research has also found that the use of hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing progestin, may slightly increase the risk of depression.
Dr. Colleen Reisz, a dermatologist with expertise in the effects of multiple prescription drugs on overall health, has encountered patients who reported severe mood changes after starting treatments like isotretinoin for acne or hormone-based therapies for hair loss. In most cases, simply discontinuing the medication is not the solution. Patients should consult their doctors, who can adjust the dosage or recommend alternative treatments. It is important to consider other potential factors contributing to depression symptoms as well.
While some individuals may experience depression as a side effect of certain prescription medications, it is crucial to emphasize that this occurrence is relatively rare. Any concerns regarding changes in emotional state, including depression or the emergence of suicidal thoughts, should always be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action and possible solutions.
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