- Overview
- Symptoms
- Causes & Risks
- Diagnosis
- Types
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Treatment
- Antidepressants
- Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
- Living With
- Recovery & Relapse
- Complications
- Caregiving & Support
- Appointment Prep
- View Full Guide
Understanding Medication Side Effects


Understanding Medication Side Effects
Certain medications, while essential for treating various conditions, can impact your mood. Some drugs might make you feel sad or overly excited. Being aware of these potential side effects can help you manage them better.

Medications That May Cause Depression
Some drugs are linked to feelings of depression. Examples include isotretinoin (for acne), alcohol, anticonvulsants, and beta-blockers. These medications can change brain chemicals, leading to mood changes.

Medications That May Cause Mania
Certain medications can make you feel overly excited or manic. These include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and some antidepressants. Like those that cause depression, these medications also affect brain chemicals.

Who Is at Risk?
Elderly people are more at risk for experiencing mood changes from medications. It's important to monitor your mood when starting a new medication and report any changes to your doctor.
They can help identify if the medication is the cause and suggest ways to manage it. Never stop taking a medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.

Managing Mood Changes
If a medication is causing mood changes, your doctor might reduce the dosage or switch you to a different drug. Always follow your doctor's advice and never make changes to your medication on your own.

The Importance of Monitoring
Keep a close eye on your mood and maintain open communication with your health care provider. Regular monitoring can help manage side effects and ensure you get the best treatment for your condition.
PHOTO CREDITS:
Slide 1: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock
Slide 2: Ground Picture/Shutterstock
Slide 3: New Africa/Shutterstock
Slide 4: Thanakorn.P/Shutterstock
Slide 5: Khosro/Shutterstock
Slide 6: Sotnikov Misha/Shutterstock
SOURCES:
National Institute of Mental Health: "What is Depression?"
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5.
Fieve, R. Bipolar II, Rodale Books, 2006.