Are you taking medication for a medical condition? Have you ever started feeling sad, depressed, or just plain bored after taking it? You may be wondering, "What's wrong with me?" If you're wondering, it's understandable. Sometimes, the reason for your mental discomfort can be a medication you're taking for another condition. Yes, it's true. Some medications can cause depression. And some medications can also cause mania, a state of extreme happiness and excitement.
Simply put, these medications affect the way chemicals in our brains work. That's why these mental changes happen. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be if you were given a pill to treat acne and felt bad about it? But that pill may actually be necessary for acne. So it's important to be aware of this.
How do I know if this is happening to me because of a medication?
The best and safest way to do this is to talk openly with your doctor about it . If you notice any changes in your mood after you start taking a medication, such as feeling sad, depressed, or overly happy, tell your doctor.
Usually, when a good doctor prescribes a medication, they will inform you about the main side effects that it may cause. They may say something like, "You may feel a little dizzy when you take this medication. If that happens, let me know."
All you have to do is ask your doctor what medications you are taking and whether they can cause these kinds of mental effects. Then, if necessary, he or she will give you a different medication or tell you what to do. Never stop taking your medication or change the dosage on your own.
Medications that can cause mania
Mania is a mood disorder characterized by excessive happiness, excitement, excessive energy, difficulty sleeping, and restlessness. It is associated with bipolar disorder. The medications below can cause this condition in some people. It doesn't happen to everyone, but there is a risk.
| Drug Category | Simply put... (Simple Explanation) |
|---|---|
| Corticosteroids Ex: Prednisone, Hydrocortisone | Medicines given to reduce swelling, allergies, and immune system function. |
| Cyclosporine | A medicine given to prevent the body from rejecting an organ after a transplant. |
| Medications for Parkinson's disease Ex: Carbidopa/levodopa | Medications to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. |
| Antidepressants Ex: SSRIs, SNRIs, Tricyclics | Although medications that treat depression can cause mania in some people (especially those with a predisposition to bipolar disorder). |
| Stimulants for ADHD Ex: Methylphenidate (Ritalin) | Medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). |
| Thyroid Hormones Ex: Levothyroxine | Medication for thyroid hormone deficiency. |
| Some antibiotics Ex: Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin | Medications for bacterial infections. |
| Antimalarials Ex: Chloroquine, Mefloquine | Medicine for malaria. |
Medications that can cause depression
Depression is a condition characterized by long-term sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in anything, and low energy. There are several types of medications that can cause this condition. Some medications are especially dangerous for older people.
| Drug Category | Uses & Examples |
|---|---|
| Isotretinoin | To treat severe acne conditions. |
| Alcohol | This can cause depression because it depresses the central nervous system. |
| Anticonvulsants | To control conditions such as epilepsy. |
| Benzodiazepines Ex: Diazepam (Valium), Alprazolam (Xanax) | It is given for conditions such as anxiety and insomnia, and is also used to relax muscles. |
| Beta-blockers Ex: Atenolol, Metoprolol | For high blood pressure, heart disease and migraines. |
| Calcium-channel blockers Ex: Diltiazem, Nifedipine | For high blood pressure and heart disease. |
| Birth control methods Ex: NuvaRing | Some hormonal birth control methods. |
| Opioid painkillers (Opioids) Ex: Codeine, Morphine, Tramadol | Given for moderate to severe pain, there is a high risk of addiction. |
| Statins Ex: Atorvastatin, Simvastatin | To reduce blood cholesterol levels. |
| Varenicline (Chantix) | A medicine that helps you quit smoking. |
What should I do if I think a medication is affecting my mind?
If you think your mood is being affected by a medication you're taking, there are things you should and shouldn't do.
What to do:
- Talk to your doctor right away. Tell him exactly how you feel. Say, "Doctor, since I started taking this medicine, I've been feeling so bad that I don't feel like doing anything."
- Follow your doctor's instructions. He or she may reduce the dose of your medication, prescribe a different medication, or start a separate treatment for your mental health condition.
What not to do:
The most important thing is, never stop taking your medication on your own unless your doctor tells you to. If you do, your original illness may worsen again. That can be very dangerous.
Always remember that with any treatment, the benefits must be weighed against the risks of side effects. Your doctor should make that decision.
Take-Home Message
- Some medications taken for other diseases of the body can cause mental conditions such as depression or mania.
- If you notice a change in your mood after starting a new medication, it could be a side effect of the medication.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor about these feelings. Don't assume it's just a mental issue.
- Never stop taking any prescribed medication without medical advice. This can be very dangerous.
- Your doctor will assess the situation and take the appropriate steps, such as changing the medication, reducing the dosage, or providing another treatment to control the side effects.
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