Medications Where Depression is a Potential Side Effect
An estimated 37% of adults use medications where depression is a potential side effect, according to a new study. Researchers looked at 26,192 adults who participated in a national survey between 2005-2014.
Results, published in JAMA, indicated that more than one-third (37.2%) of adults use medications that have depression as a possible side effect. Over time, the percentage of people using these medications has steadily increased, going from 35% in 2005-2006 to 38.4% in 2013–2014. People were more likely to experience depression while using multiple medications that listed depression as a side effect.
Additionally, the percentage of people using medications that are associated with suicidal symptoms increased from 17.3% in 2005-2006 to 23.5% in 2013-2014.
Overall, adults reported using more than 200 medications that have been associated with depression or suicidal behavior as adverse effects, including anti-hypertensives (blood pressure meds), proton pump inhibitors (used to control acid reflux), pain medications and hormonal contraceptives.
