Common Medications Are Being Linked To Depression

[Julieanne]

CARLY CASSELLA
15 JUN 2018

The majority of prescription drugs come with such a long list of possible side-effects that many patients have no idea what they’re really getting themselves into. However, when the potential consequences include depression and suicide, ignorance definitely isn’t bliss.
A new study has revealed that between 2005 and 2014, 37.2% of American adults may have been unknowingly using common medications that can cause depression. Dima Qato, the lead author and an assistant professor at the University of Illinois, says that “many may be surprised to learn that their medications, despite having nothing to do with mood or anxiety or any other condition normally associated with depressions, can increase their risk of experiencing depressive symptoms, and may lead to a depression diagnosis.”

Read more: http://www.ba-bamail.com/content.aspx?emailid=29981

[Islander]

I wish they had listed some common examples.

[Pattypans]

From a NYT report on the study: "About 200 prescription drugs can cause depression, and the list includes common medications like proton pump inhibitors (P.P.I.s) used to treat acid reflux, beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure, birth control pills and emergency contraceptives, anticonvulsants like gabapentin, corticosteroids like prednisone and even prescription-strength ibuprofen. Some of these drugs are also sold over-the-counter in pharmacies."

The original article posted says: "Their findings revealed that over 2oo commonly used prescription drugs listed depression or suicide as potential consequences. This included drugs such as hormonal birth medication, painkillers, antacids, and blood pressure medication. These medications are available over the counter and their warning labels don’t list comprehensive information on their potentially deadly side effects."