Understanding: Which drug causes depression?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, people taking three or more medications with depression as a potential side effect experienced depression at a rate three times higher than those taking no such drugs. The question of which drug causes depression is complex, as many different types of medication can influence mood by altering brain chemistry or affecting the central nervous system.

Quick Summary

Several types of medication can cause or exacerbate depressive symptoms by interfering with neurotransmitters or hormonal balance. Drug classes associated with mood changes include cardiovascular agents, hormonal therapies, and anticonvulsants. Identifying the link between a drug and mood is critical for effective management.

Key Points

Alteration of Neurotransmitters: Many depressogenic drugs work by altering brain chemicals like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, affecting mood regulation.
Common Drug Classes: Cardiovascular medications (beta-blockers), hormonal agents (contraceptives, corticosteroids), and central nervous system depressants (benzodiazepines, opioids) are common culprits for causing depression.
Individual Variability: Not everyone will experience depression from these medications. The risk is influenced by individual factors, dosage, and whether a person is on multiple medications.
Never Stop Abruptly: Patients should never stop a prescribed medication without first consulting a doctor, as this can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms or worsened health conditions.
Consult a Doctor: Accurate diagnosis is key. A doctor can help determine if medication is causing depression and can suggest safe alternatives or dosage adjustments.
Management is Possible: Treatment often involves managing the underlying health condition with a different drug, adjusting the dose, or adding an antidepressant to alleviate mood symptoms.

The Link Between Medications and Mood

Many people are surprised to learn that their prescribed medication could be contributing to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or fatigue. Drug-induced depression is a recognized phenomenon in which medication, or the withdrawal from it, leads to significant mood disturbances. These effects can result from a drug's direct impact on the brain's neurotransmitters, alterations in hormonal balance, or other systemic changes. The likelihood and severity of these side effects can depend on the specific drug, dosage, and individual factors like genetics and personal or family history of mood disorders.

Cardiovascular Medications

Medications used to manage heart conditions and blood pressure are among the most frequently cited culprits for mood changes. Beta-blockers, for example, are known to have links with an increased risk of depression.

Beta-blockers: Prescribed for high blood pressure, angina, and heart arrhythmia, common examples include metoprolol (Lopressor) and atenolol (Tenormin). While their exact mechanism isn't fully understood, they can decrease central nervous system activity, contributing to fatigue and low mood.
Calcium-channel blockers: Used for hypertension and chest pain, this class of drugs, which includes nifedipine (Procardia) and verapamil (Calan), has also been associated with mood side effects in some reports.
ACE Inhibitors: Some drugs in this class, such as enalapril (Vasotec) and quinapril (Accupril), have been linked to depression.

Hormonal and Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Changes in hormone levels can profoundly affect mood. Several medications that alter hormonal balance or reduce inflammation have been associated with depressive episodes.

Corticosteroids: Used to treat inflammation, asthma, and autoimmune diseases, long-term use of drugs like prednisone and hydrocortisone can cause significant mood disturbances, including depression. This is thought to be related to their effect on the body's stress hormone, cortisol.
Hormonal contraceptives: Certain hormonal birth control options, particularly progestogen-only products, have shown links to increased risk of depression and mood changes, especially in adolescent women.
Isotretinoin: This powerful drug, used to treat severe acne, has a well-documented but rare link to depression and suicidal ideation. Its mechanism may involve altering dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in the brain.

Neurological and Pain Medications

Many drugs that target the central nervous system can inadvertently affect mood, given the complex interplay of brain circuits.

Benzodiazepines: Prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, medications like alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan) are CNS depressants that can cause depression as a direct side effect. Withdrawal can also contribute to mood disturbances.
Anticonvulsants: Used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain, some antiepileptic drugs, such as topiramate (Topamax) and levetiracetam (Keppra), have been shown to increase the risk of depressive symptoms. This risk is particularly elevated with rapid dosage increases.
Opioids: Prescription opioid pain medications, such as oxycodone (OxyContin) and hydrocodone (Vicodin), have a strong association with major depressive disorder, especially with long-term use. Opioids can disrupt mood-regulating systems and have strong potential for misuse.
Interferon-alpha: Used to treat hepatitis C and certain cancers, this immunological agent is known to induce depression in a significant number of patients, potentially by elevating cytokine production.

Comparison of Common Drugs and Their Depressogenic Potential


Drug Class	Examples	Condition Treated	Potential for Depression	Mechanism	Risk Factors
Beta-Blockers	Metoprolol, Atenolol	Hypertension, Arrhythmia	Moderate to High	Reduces CNS activity	High dose, long-term use, pre-existing risk factors
Corticosteroids	Prednisone, Hydrocortisone	Inflammation, Autoimmune disease	High	Elevates cortisol, alters mood	High dose, long-term use, dose tapering
Isotretinoin	Absorica, Claravis	Severe Acne	Low to Moderate (Rare)	Alters neurotransmitter systems	Dose-dependent, individual sensitivity
Benzodiazepines	Alprazolam, Lorazepam	Anxiety, Insomnia	Moderate to High	CNS depressant	Long-term use, withdrawal symptoms
Opioids	Oxycodone, Tramadol	Severe Pain	High	Disrupts mood regulation, abuse potential	Long-term use, higher doses, misuse
Hormonal Contraceptives	Oral Contraceptives	Birth Control	Low to Moderate	Affects dopamine and serotonin	Type of progestogen, age

What to Do If You Suspect Drug-Induced Depression

If you believe a medication is affecting your mood, it is critical to consult a healthcare provider. Do not stop taking a prescribed medication abruptly without medical guidance. Suddenly discontinuing some drugs, like beta-blockers or benzodiazepines, can have serious health consequences, including rebound effects or dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

A doctor can evaluate your situation by reviewing your symptoms and your current medication list. They can help determine if the mood changes are a side effect or if there is another underlying cause. Treatment options may include adjusting the dosage of the current medication, switching to an alternative drug, or prescribing an antidepressant to manage the symptoms. In some cases, behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be a valuable part of the treatment plan. Open communication with your healthcare provider is the most effective approach to navigating these potential side effects safely and effectively.

Conclusion

While many medications offer life-saving or condition-managing benefits, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, including the risk of depression. From blood pressure medication to hormonal treatments, numerous drugs can impact mood by altering the brain's delicate chemical balance. Recognizing the signs of drug-induced depression is the first step toward effective management. The most crucial takeaway is to always work with your doctor; they can help identify the root cause of your mood changes and guide you toward a safe and effective solution, whether through medication adjustment or other treatments. Open communication and diligent monitoring are key to protecting both your physical and mental well-being while on medication. For further details on specific drug effects, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a valuable resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, certain blood pressure medications, particularly beta-blockers like metoprolol and atenolol, have been linked to an increased risk of depression by affecting central nervous system activity.

Yes, some hormonal contraceptives, especially those with certain types of progestogen, can affect brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, potentially leading to mood changes and depression in some individuals.

If you notice a significant and persistent change in your mood, energy levels, or interest in activities soon after starting or changing a medication, it may be drug-induced. It is important to discuss these changes with your doctor.

Long-term use of opioid pain medications, such as oxycodone and tramadol, has a strong association with major depressive disorder. Opioids can disrupt the brain's mood-regulating systems.

Yes, withdrawal from certain substances like benzodiazepines can lead to depression as a symptom. This is because the brain has adapted to the drug's presence, and its removal disrupts brain chemistry.

Yes, drug-induced depression is treatable. Management often involves working with a doctor to adjust the medication dose, switch to an alternative drug, or add a short-term antidepressant. Supportive care and psychotherapy can also be beneficial.

Yes, some anticholinergic medications, which affect neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, have been cited in literature as potentially causing or contributing to depressive symptoms.