Depression describes an intense feeling of sadness that interferes with daily activities. The Merck Manual reports depression as the second most common mental health disorder. Although the exact cause of depression remains unclear, factors that affect the chemicals in the brain, including serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, can all contribute to depression. Contributing factors include genetic abnormalities, hormone levels, the co-existence of other physical and mental disorders or diseases, and prescription drug use.
Beta Blockers
Beta adrenergic blockers, often called beta blockers, describe a group of medications used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, heart arrhythmias and chest pain. Examples of beta blockers include metoprolol, propranolol, acebutolol and atenolol. These medications block adrenaline from binding to receptors, therefore slowing the nerve impulses traveling through the heart, as described by the Texas Heart Institute. The most common side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, weakness and dizziness, but beta blockers can also cause depression, memory loss and confusion.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid medications resemble the natural hormone cortisol, which is secreted by the adrenal gland. Doctors prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone and cortisone, to treat conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals—prostaglandins, for example—and inhibiting the function of white blood cells.
Although corticosteroids can minimize tissue damage to critical organs, they also cause a variety of side effects. By inhibiting the white blood cells, the body becomes vulnerable to additional infections. In addition to the side effects of weight gain, muscle weakness, high blood pressure, stomach irritation and nervousness, they can also cause mood swings and depression.
Oral Contraceptives
Hormones such as estrogen stimulate, regulate and control various functions throughout the body. Neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that help to regulate nerve impulses, trigger the production of hormones in the body. When the levels of hormones become unbalanced, symptoms such as depression, mood swings and lack of energy occur.
Estrogen increases serotonin, a chemical in the brain associated with positive mood states. This means that taking estrogen supplements, such as for hormone replacement therapy during menopause, can help alleviate depression. Too much estrogen, however, can also have negative effects on mood. Women taking oral contraceptives often complain of depression as a side effect, as listed in The Merck Manual.
Vincristine
Vincristine, a chemotherapy drug, treats cancers such as acute leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thyroid cancer and brain tumors. Vincristine, classified as a plant alkaloid medication, attacks cancer cells, inhibiting their ability to replicate. Vincristine causes many side effects, including hair loss, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and mouth sores, and it may cause mood swings and depression.
