Certain medications have a propensity to bring about mania and depression in patients. If you suspect that the medication you are taking may be causing changes in your brain chemistry, leading to depression or mania, consult a medical professional for further advice. Today, we’re going to explain how medication can cause depression-like feelings and symptoms. Drug-induced depression is nothing new. There is substantial literature on this subject, led by renowned pharmacology experts and doctors across the board. The FDA has studied this topic, and while intensive ‘Gold Standard’ studies are few and far between, much is known about the pharmacological actions of introduced substances in the body.
Unfortunately, it is possible to develop dependencies on drugs for treating a specific condition, while inducing unwanted side effects like mental health conditions such as depression. Treatment resistant depression is also possible with medications designed expressly for this purpose. In these cases, it is important to select alternative approaches. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one such mental health condition that does not respond well to traditional medications alone.
For this reason, a growing number of patients are turning to Deep TMS™ (deep transcranial magnetic stimulation) as a way to stimulate neural activity by targeting ‘problem areas’ in the brain with magnetic waves. This is one of many FDA-cleared treatment regimens which can be combined with medication and therapy for treating MDD. It is much safer than medication since there are no lasting side effects, no incisions, and no sedation. In the majority of cases, there is a notable improvement in the mental health and well-being of the patient with Deep TMS.
Chantix® for Stopping Smoking
Patients taking specific medications and exhibiting severe side-effects or reactions such as suicidal thoughts and tendencies, and major depressive disorder are a case in point. One of the drugs associated with such ideation is Chantix®, otherwise known as varenicline. This particular drug has been extensively reviewed, and common side effects of Chantix (manufactured by Pfizer for cessation of smoking) include the following:
- Headaches
- Indigestion
- Persistent nausea
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dry mouth and unpleasant taste
- Irritability and psychiatric symptoms
Patients are advised to contact their doctor immediately if there is a worsening of mental health problems, heart attack symptoms, strange dreams, somnambulism, or stroke symptoms developing. Chantix is one of several medications capable of DID (drug-induced depression).
Inderal (propranolol) and Toprol XL (metoprolol)
Inderal and Toprol XL are known as beta-blockers and they have a documented history for potentially causing depression in patients. Patients suffering from high blood pressure typically take beta-blockers to manage their condition. They are also used for heart-related complaints such as irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), and angina, even for migraines. Beta-blockers are sometimes used in the treatment of glaucoma in patients. While there is some degree of debate on beta-blockers and their propensity for causing depression, the jury is out on this subject.
The scientific community has studied the effects of beta-blockers on mental health conditions for several decades now. Various adverse effects have been noted over the years, such as increased fatigue, drowsiness, anxiety, hallucinations, even occasional nightmares from using beta-blockers. New evidence tends to suggest that these side-effects are not necessarily caused by the beta-blockers. One such study conducted by Reinhold Kreutz, MD Ph.D. from the Berlin Institute of Health (Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology) refuted the negative effects of beta-blockers.
Some 50,000 patients were included in the sample, across 258 studies in a double-blind randomized trial. In this study, the researchers discovered that certain symptoms such as sleep disorders, nightmares, and hallucinogenic dreams may have links to beta-blockers, but Dr Kreutz stated that beta-blockers are mostly safe regarding psychological health and that there was no known association between them and depression. However, he added that patients should be monitored when using beta-blockers.
Triamcinolone, Prednisone, Methylprednisolone, and Cortisone
Triamcinolone, Prednisone, Methylprednisolone, and Cortisone are part of a class of drugs known as corticosteroids. They are used primarily to treat Sjogren’s syndrome, types of arthritis, lupus, and gout. Corticosteroids are known to have side effects of a psychiatric nature. It is believed that prolonged use of these drugs can affect serotonin levels in the brain, which affects mood.
Studies conducted at the Mayo Clinic categorically support the notion of adverse effects of corticosteroids on mental health. Systemic use of corticosteroid therapy discovered that approximately 6% of patients had severe reactions, while 28% of patients had mild/moderate reactions to corticosteroids.
When used over a long period of time, corticosteroids induce symptoms of depression. There is a direct correlation between the dosage and the severity of the depression that is experienced. What is less clear is the specific timing of the depressive disorder that will result in increased corticosteroid usage.
Researchers have found that corticosteroid use has its strongest adverse effects on mental health and wellness early in a treatment regimen. It usually resolves by reducing the dosage of corticosteroid usage, or after the corticosteroids have been discontinued. Often, medical practitioners may prescribe mood stabilizers or antipsychotic medication such as Paxil, Zoloft, or Abilify to counter the effects of the corticosteroids.
Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Restoril (temazepam), and Prednisone
Valium, Xanax, and Restoril are considered effective treatments for depression. In 2011 alone, some 48 million prescriptions for Xanax were written, according to Psych Central. This medication is widely prescribed for depressive disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorders, anxiety, insomnia, and premenstrual syndrome. Xanax increases the dispersion of natural tranquilizers throughout the body, through the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Valium, and Restoril can also induce depression when they are overprescribed.
Generally, these meds should not be taken beyond six weeks, but many doctors routinely issue refills of prescriptions well beyond that timeframe. In Oregon alone, some 1.9 prescriptions for Xanax were written and in 2013, almost half of them refilled their medication for three consecutive months or more.
Unfortunately, drug dependency develops even after these medications have resolved the underlying symptoms of depression. This results in a new wave of depression, creating the impression that dependency is required in order to stave off the depression. This leads to withdrawal from medications like diazepam, alprazolam, and temazepam.
