Misdiagnosis of Medication Causes of Depression

About medication causes: Another misdiagnosis possibility is that a particular medication or substance may be the real cause of the disease. Certain medications, chemicals, toxins or substances may possibly be underlying causes of Depression. Side effects of medications, or exposure to toxins, chemicals, or other substances may cause a symptom or condition. Hence, they become possible underlying causes of Depression but are often misdiagnosed or overlooked as a cause. For a general overview of this misdiagnosis issue, see Medication Underlying Cause Misdiagnosis.

Medication causes list: The list of possible medications or substances mentioned in sources as possibly causing Depression includes:

Certain drugs - various types of medications can lead to depressive symptoms
Digitalis Intoxication
Drug interactions - Certain combinations of drugs can lead to depressive symptoms
Certain pain relievers for arthritis
Certain cholesterol-lowering drugs
Certain medications for high blood pressure
Certain medications for heart problems
Certain bronchodilators - used for asthma and other lung disorders.
Certain arthritis drugs
Certain high blood pressure drugs

Medication causes: Sometimes, people develop depression as a result of taking certain medications or with certain illnesses. Some drugs used to treat arthritis, heart problems, high blood pressure, and cancer can produce depression. The effects of these drugs may not always be clear right away.¹

In addition, fatigue, high or low mood, sedation, and difficulty with memory or concentration can be depressive symptoms but can also occur as side effects of medication. The current medications taken by an individual should also be evaluated in determining the diagnosis. ²

Some medicines cause depressive symptoms as side effects. Certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure and arthritis fall in this category. In addition, different drugs can interact in unforeseen ways when taken together. It is important that each doctor know all the different types and dosages of medicine being taken and discuss them with the patient. ²

Depression is sometimes linked to prescription drugs or certain illnesses. Some medications used to treat arthritis, heart problems, high blood pressure, or cancer can cause depression as a side effect. These side effects may not happen right away.³

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Depression: NWHIC
2. excerpt from If You're Over 65 and Feeling Depressed Treatment Brings New Hope: NIMH
3. excerpt from Depression A Serious but Treatable Illness - Age Page - Health Information: NIA

Last revision: July 1, 2003

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