Depression: Common medication side effect?

This study is especially thought-provoking, given that more and more people are taking medications with depression or suicidal thoughts as possible side effects. The CDC just released updated data showing a troubling recent rise in suicide rates, and that 54% of those who die from suicide do not have a known mental health disorder, so this is an important public health issue. That said, it is important to note: in this study, people who used these medications were more likely to be widowed and have chronic health problems, both of which are associated with a higher risk of depression. And many (but not all) of these medications are often prescribed to treat symptoms associated with existing depression, such as anxiety, insomnia, pain, and even acid reflux (chronic stress can cause acid reflux). The next step is to run a study where people are randomly assigned to take these medications, or alternate ones without depression as a side effect, and then follow them over time to see what happens. That’s a randomized, controlled, clinical trial, the gold standard in research studies. While we’re waiting for that to happen, if you’re suffering from depression, and you’re also taking any of these listed medications, then you may want to consider talking to your doctor about switching to something else for a while, and see if your mood improves. The post Depression: Common medication side effect? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Anxiety and Depression Drugs and Supplements Health Source Type: blogs