June 18, 2018
Dima Qato‘s new study reports over one-third of Americans take prescription drugs that list depression as a potential side effect. The users of such medications have higher rates of depression than those who don’t take such medications.
Many patients are taking more than one drug with depression as a side effect. The study found that the risk of depression increased with each additional such drug taken at the same time.
About 200 prescription drugs can cause depression, including common medications such as beta-blockers to treat high blood pressure and corticosteroids like prednisone. Some of these drugs are also sold over-the-counter in pharmacies.