What drug makes you feel depressed? Understanding common medication side effects

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2018 study published in JAMA found that over one-third of U.S. adults are taking a prescription medication that could potentially cause depression or increase suicide risk. This highlights a crucial, yet often overlooked, risk associated with medication: some drugs can trigger or worsen depression, and understanding what drug makes you feel depressed is vital for proper diagnosis and management.

Quick Summary

Many common medications, including corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives, and certain cardiovascular drugs, can induce or worsen depressive symptoms. Awareness of these potential side effects is key to discussing concerns and finding alternative treatments with a healthcare provider.

Key Points

Common Culprits: Many medication classes, including corticosteroids, beta-blockers, hormonal contraceptives, and opioids, can induce or worsen depressive symptoms.
Symptom Timing is Key: Medication-induced depression often begins shortly after starting a new drug or changing a dose, and typically resolves after discontinuation.
Not a Direct Cause for All: Not everyone taking these medications will experience depression; individual susceptibility, dosage, and duration of use are significant factors.
Never Stop Without Advice: It is dangerous to stop taking medication on your own. Always consult your doctor if you suspect a drug is causing mood changes.
Involve Your Doctor: The most important step is open communication with your healthcare provider. They can assess your symptoms, consider alternative treatments, or adjust your regimen.
Withdrawal Can Also Cause Depression: In some cases, like with stimulants or benzodiazepines, the depressive symptoms may be a result of drug withdrawal rather than active use.

While medications are prescribed to treat specific conditions, some have the unintended side effect of negatively impacting mood. This is known as medication-induced depression. The pharmacological mechanisms vary depending on the drug class, from affecting neurotransmitter levels to disrupting sleep cycles. It is critical for patients experiencing mood changes to discuss their concerns with a healthcare provider rather than stopping medication abruptly.

Major Classes of Medications Linked to Depression

Certain drug classes are more frequently associated with depressive symptoms due to their effects on the central nervous system or hormone levels. The specific risk depends on the individual, dosage, and duration of use.

Cardiovascular Drugs

Several medications used to treat heart conditions and high blood pressure, particularly beta-blockers, have been linked to depression. While evidence is mixed, some studies suggest a connection, especially with older, non-selective beta-blockers like propranolol and metoprolol. The mechanism may involve their effect on central nervous system activity or causing sleep disturbances, a known risk factor for depression.

Hormonal Medications

Hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact mood, and medications that alter hormone levels can, therefore, affect mental health.

Hormonal Contraceptives: Both combined estrogen-progestin pills and progestin-only methods have been associated with an increased risk of depression, especially in adolescents. Hormones can influence brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin that regulate mood.
Corticosteroids: These potent anti-inflammatory drugs, like prednisone, mimic the body's stress hormone, cortisol. High doses or long-term use can lower serotonin levels and affect GABA, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
Other Hormonal Agents: Medications like tamoxifen (used for breast cancer) and those containing finasteride (for hair loss or prostate issues) can also cause mood-related side effects.

Pain and Anxiety Medications

Drugs that depress the central nervous system or interact with pain pathways can have a profound effect on mood.

Opioid Pain Relievers: Long-term use of opioids, such as hydrocodone and oxycodone, has a documented link to a higher incidence of depression. Opioids can alter the brain's reward and pleasure centers, and withdrawal can also trigger depressive symptoms.
Benzodiazepines: These drugs, including alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium), are used to treat anxiety. As central nervous system depressants, they can lead to depression, especially with higher dosages or misuse. Withdrawal from these drugs can also cause depressive symptoms.

Other Notable Medications

Several other classes of drugs, some surprisingly common, have been associated with depression as a potential side effect.

Anticonvulsants: Used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and mood disorders, drugs like topiramate and gabapentin can affect mood. The FDA has added warnings for suicidal thoughts for many anti-epileptic drugs.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Used for acid reflux, some PPIs like omeprazole have been linked to an increased risk of depression in some studies. One theory is that they interfere with B12 absorption, a nutrient vital for mood regulation.
Antibiotics: Research has associated certain antibiotics, particularly fluoroquinolones (like ciprofloxacin) and penicillins, with an increased risk of depression.
Asthma and Allergy Medications: Montelukast (Singulair) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) have been reported to cause depressive symptoms in some individuals.

Medication-Induced vs. Primary Depression

Distinguishing between medication-induced depression and a primary depressive disorder is crucial for proper treatment. Here are some key differences:


Feature	Medication-Induced Depression	Primary Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Timing of Onset	Develops during or shortly after starting or changing the dosage of a medication.	Can have an onset unrelated to medication use, often with prior episodes.
Symptom Resolution	Symptoms typically resolve within days or weeks of discontinuing the drug.	May require ongoing management, including antidepressants and therapy.
Symptom Presentation	Can present with atypical symptoms like fatigue, low energy, and apathy, rather than intense sadness.	Classic symptoms include persistent sadness, anhedonia (loss of pleasure), and sleep/appetite changes.
Causality Link	A clear temporal link to the medication, with symptoms often improving upon drug cessation.	Other risk factors like genetics, life stress, and environment are more prominent causes.

What to Do If You Suspect Medication-Induced Depression

Do Not Stop Abruptly: Never discontinue a prescribed medication on your own. Many drugs, especially cardiovascular or anxiety medications, can have dangerous withdrawal effects.
Contact Your Doctor: Report any new or worsening mood changes immediately to your prescribing physician. Be specific about your symptoms and when they started.
Explore Alternatives: Your doctor may suggest a different medication, adjust your dosage, or monitor your symptoms closely. In some cases, treating the underlying depression separately with an antidepressant may be an option, particularly if the initial medication is medically necessary.

Conclusion

Medication-induced depression is a recognized and treatable condition, affecting a significant number of people. A range of medications, from commonly used beta-blockers and hormonal contraceptives to corticosteroids and opioids, can cause or exacerbate depressive symptoms. Understanding these potential side effects and communicating openly with your healthcare provider is the most effective way to ensure both your physical and mental health are managed properly. Never hesitate to raise concerns about mood changes, as your doctor can help determine the cause and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

For additional resources, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides valuable information on substance/medication-induced disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some blood pressure medications, particularly certain beta-blockers like propranolol and metoprolol, have been associated with depression as a side effect.

No, not all types of birth control cause depression, and the effect can vary greatly among individuals. However, studies have shown a potential link between hormonal contraceptives, especially progestin-only methods, and an increased risk of developing depression.

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can cause mood disturbances by affecting neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA in the brain. High dosages or long-term use are more commonly associated with these side effects, which can include depression and anxiety.

Yes, it is possible to experience worsening depression symptoms initially when starting an antidepressant. This is why it is crucial to remain in close contact with your doctor during the early stages of treatment to monitor your progress.

If you believe your medication is causing depression, contact your prescribing healthcare provider immediately. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly, as this can be dangerous. Your doctor can help determine the cause and explore alternative treatments or dosage adjustments.

Yes, some over-the-counter pain relievers, particularly with long-term use, have been linked to depressive side effects. Opioids are more strongly associated, but some non-opioid medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen have also been noted.

A strong indication is the timing of your symptoms—if they began or worsened shortly after you started a new medication or changed a dose. Your doctor can perform a comprehensive evaluation to differentiate medication-induced depression from other potential causes, considering your medical history.