General Medical Drugs Associated with Depression
and
Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2008 Dec; 5(12): 28–41.
Published online 2008 Dec
Given the plethora of drugs implicated in drug induced depression (DID), there is no reason to presume that all drugs produce depression via a common pathophysiological mechanism. And, in as much as the pathophysiology of “ordinary” or idiopathic depression remains uncertain, it would be presumptuous to make confident claims regarding the genesis of DID... Nonetheless, specific depressogenic drugs may induce depression via mechanisms that have been investigated in other contexts. Nonetheless, reduction or depletion of biogenic amines continues to be adduced as one possible mechanism for DID and has by no means been ruled out.17 Other putative mechanisms20,23–25 for DID are listed in Table 1, but must be considered highly speculative at this time... Finally, the development of DID appears to be more likely in a person who has a predisposition to depression.17
No matter what is happening, I really do try to be positive and look up. There are days when it's harder than others. However, that is the case for everyone.
I've made it through the short dark winter days. Man, there were times I didn't know. It has seemed that winter has gone on and on. The best thing right now is that it is no longer dark at 4:30 in the afternoon! That is a HUGE positive! Of course, I think we would all agree that winter has had some serious mood swings this year! See... it's not just people!
I have recently been looking at different ideas re: medications causing mood swings and how that affects people who may have depression. Also how it can affect people that previously were NOT diagnosed with depression. I had the experience most of last year taking a medication that caused a severe depression in me which was increased because I could not take an anti-depressant that I knew to help me.
Presently I'm on a medication that has a side effect listed as mood changes. Mood changes. What can that mean? Well, as someone who has suffered from depression for more than half their life, it can mean a variety of things. It can be temper tantrums. It can be weepy. It can be major tears. It can also mean extreme highs and increased energy (mania). It can be excessive happiness. It's a crap shoot. You don't know what you are going to get.
It is also important to note that just because a medication CAN cause mood changes, doesn't mean it WILL cause mood changes. However, it has been studied (see excerpt from article above) that those who have depression or a predisposition to depression are more likely to experience these mood changes.
I think one of the best ways to demonstrate how a medication can cause mood changes is to look at steroids. Most people would admit that they have at least heard of "roid rage". This has been brought to light from many athletes or competitors. It has become known because these persons have become exceptionally angry and violent. After they have severely injured or killed someone or themselves, it is made known that this person was taking high dosages of steroids. A well known side effect of steroids is mood changes.
So think of these mood changes on a spectrum. On one end of the spectrum you have extreme change. This can be manifested as described above which can lead to violence and injury to self or others or just simply extreme depression. On the other end, there can be no change at all. No difference noticed. Then there are those that fall somewhere in between.
How do you know if your situation is related to a medication? Well, if you were doing ok, and then started a medication and noticed a significant change in your attitude or mood, it could be the medication. Sometimes the effect of a medication can be temporary. Sometimes it may not be. You need to check the possible side effects and discuss it with your prescriber. ALWAYS TALK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN OR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BEFORE CHANGING ANY MEDICATIONS
For myself, it took me falling to a low low point to talk to a doctor. The next time it happened, I talked much sooner. As soon as I noticed the changes. I called and told them what was going on. I was encouraged to take a small break and see what differences I noticed.
Another issue I would like to point out about medications causing mood changes. If you feel this is going on and your medical care team is not listening to you, get another opinion. Keep plugging away until someone listens. It's too important for your overall health to ignore.
As for me... I actually have an appointment tomorrow to discuss one of my medications and how it is making me feel. There are more than mood swings going on. There is a lot more. But I'm hopeful I will be heard. Ok, I'm actually not hopeful. I have doubts. I worry that I will not be heard. However, if I'm not heard, I will make sure I am. I intend on talking and talking and yelling and crying until someone hears me. I encourage you to always do the same.
Love and peace
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