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Drugs That Cause Depression

There have been new advances in pharmaceuticals over the past several decades have provided treatment options for a variety of conditions that were relatively untreatable before. Although with new drugs also comes other side effects such as depression. Depression is a common side effect in a wide range of prescription drugs such as Celontin, Zarontin, Xanax, Valium, Halcion and Klonopin which are used to treat a wide range of issues and ailments.

  1. Psychosomatic Connection

    • According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library these advances in pharmacology are the result of years of intense study and research into genetic and physiological conditions that often contribute to illness and disease. This expanded approach to addressing human biology and the symptomatic syndromes that contribute to breakdowns in the systems of the body has provided new insight into the connection between physical ailments and overall mental health.

    Depression, Mania and Prescription Drugs

    • However, according to the Journal of Psychiatrics and Neuroscience, this new approach to treating illness has created a new set of problems. There is clinical evidence that points to a connection between certain prescription drugs and symptoms of depression and mania. Although these new discoveries are being contested and often litigated, the reality that many people who have been prescribed some of these drugs are facing may be the clearest evidence of a misunderstanding of the drugs' negative side effects.

    Depression Side Effects

    • According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library certain anticonvulsants for treating epilepsy have been reported to have side effects that can be categorized as depression, including Celontin and Zarontin. Some calcium-channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions have caused depression in certain cases, including Procardia, Tiazac and Cardizem. Some drugs prescribed for cholesterol and coronary arterial conditions that have caused depression symptoms include Zocor, Lipitor and Mevacor.

    Anxiety Medications and Depression

    • Ironically, some prescription drugs that are used to relieve debilitating physical and mental conditions may actually contribute to depression. Barbiturates, which are used to slow down brain functions, are usually prescribed for anxiety and epilepsy. Two well known examples of this class of drug that have led to symptoms of depression are phenobarbital and secobarbital. Certain benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety and to induce muscle relaxation have had the same reported side effects, including Xanax, Valium, Halcion and Klonopin.

    Other Examples

    • The increased interest in stopping tobacco addiction has led to the development of anti-smoking medications, a few of which have been under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration for reported depression side effects. The drug Chantix has been linked to symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts that have forced the manufacturer, Pfizer Inc., to include warnings of the possible side effects on the labeling of the product.

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