Many prescription drugs, including blood pressure meds (beta-blockers), hormonal birth control, corticosteroids (like prednisone), some antibiotics, opioids, and anti-seizure drugs (topiramate, gabapentin), along with illicit substances like alcohol, cannabis, and stimulants, can cause or worsen depression by affecting brain chemistry. If you notice depressive symptoms after starting new medicine, tell your doctor, as it could be a side effect, but also note the underlying illness itself can be a risk factor.
However, several medications, (eg, barbiturates, vigabatrin, topiramate, flunarizine, corticosteroids, mefloquine, efavirenz, and interferon-α) do appear to cause depression in some patients and should be used with caution in patients at risk for depression.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most prescribed type of antidepressant. They work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. They generally have fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants. Common SSRIs include fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline, paroxetine, and escitalopram.
As an example, isotretinoin (Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane), which is prescribed for the treatment of acne, has been found to also sometimes cause depression. So have oral contraceptives, high blood pressure drugs, and even statins that treat high cholesterol.
One of the widely-reported side effects of SSRIs is 'blunting', where patients report feeling emotionally dull and no longer finding things as pleasurable as they used to. Between 40-60% of patients taking SSRIs are believed to experience this side effect.
Medicines that are known to cause low mood, depression or behaviour change for some people
Acetaminophen – a potent physical painkiller that also reduces empathy for other people's suffering – blunts physical and social pain by reducing activation in brain areas (i.e. anterior insula and anterior cingulate) thought to be related to emotional awareness and motivation.
Corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, and opioids are a few examples of medications that can cause depression. Hormonal contraceptives, stimulants, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may also cause depression.
By far, alcohol is the most commonly abused substance in the United States.
Causes - Depression in adults
Commonly used depressants
Esketamine (Brand Name: Spravato)
Clinical studies have shown that S-ketamine has fast antidepressant effects, with some patients reporting a reduction in symptoms within hours of administration. This is in contrast to traditional antidepressant medications that can take weeks or months to take effect.
Not exactly. Antidepressants don't cause depression. But they can cause side effects that are very similar to depression — especially when you first start taking them. These side effects can make you feel like your depression is getting worse, instead of getting better.
On a psychological level, drug use can alter mood, behavior, and personality. Users might experience heightened anxiety, depression, or aggression, and they may become socially withdrawn or lose motivation. These psychological effects can further encourage drug-seeking behaviors and perpetuate the cycle of addiction.
Stimulant drugs can make you feel depressed, anxious and paranoid. Cocaine – a type of stimulant – can make previous mental health problems recur and trigger psychosis and schizophrenia. Ecstasy users can experience memory problems. Hallucinogenic drugs such as magic mushrooms can make any mental health issues worse.
During these episodes, symptoms occur most of the day, nearly every day and may include: Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness. Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters. Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, such as sex, hobbies or sports.
Common side effects include upset stomach, dry mouth, and drowsiness. A side effect is considered serious if the result is: death; life-threatening; hospitalization; disability or permanent damage; or exposure prior to conception or during pregnancy caused birth defect.
In 2024, the global pharmaceutical market witnessed unprecedented growth, with the top-selling drugs collectively generating over $116 billion in revenue. Leading this surge was Merck's immuno-oncology therapy, Keytruda, which maintained its position as the world's best-selling drug with nearly $29.5 billion in sales.
Stressful life events: Difficult experiences, such as the death of a loved one, trauma, divorce, isolation and lack of support, can trigger depression. Medical conditions: Chronic pain and chronic conditions like diabetes can lead to depression. Medication: Some medications can cause depression as a side effect.
SSRIs. This group of drugs, including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Cipralex) and sertraline (Zoloft), is usually the first choice for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
Usually, the symptoms of a substance-induced mood disorder will go away after the person stops taking the substance and the effects of the substance have fully worn off, usually up to a month.
SSRIs are the antidepressant class most linked to emotional blunting. SSRIs include: Escitalopram (Lexapro) Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Emotional numbness is typically an unconscious protective response to feeling difficult emotions, whether due to anxiety, stress or trauma. Chronic or acute trauma can trigger a stress response that swamps the system and triggers a state of collapse, including emotional numbness.
Anti-anxiety medications help reduce the symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks or extreme fear and worry. The most common anti-anxiety medications are called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are a group of medications that can help reduce anxiety and make it easier to sleep.