Sometimes doctors neglect to warn patients about the reactions that can occur when new medications are prescribed or different medications are combined.
All medicines, both prescribed and over-the-counter, can cause side effects. These reactions are frequently physical. They can also produce mood changes, anxiety, depression, problems in our thinking, or changes in our behavior.
Depressive side effects are sometimes seen with cardiac and high blood pressure medications, as well as sleeping aids and hormones such as estrogen. Drugs used to treat ulcers, such as cimetidine, can also cause symptoms of depression. Steroids frequently cause mood swings, both depressed and manic. Over-the-counter appetite suppressants can also bring on feelings of depression.
Many drugs used to treat neurological conditions have a direct effect on brain chemicals. These can act directly on the neurotransmitters which are associated with our sense of well-being, sometimes thereby causing changes in our mood.
Feelings of anxiety are often brought on by medications which energize and stimulate us. Amphetamines are an obvious culprit. Less obvious are over-the-counter stimulants such as decongestants. Both beginning and abruptly stopping these medications can cause anxiety. Many over-the-counter formulas include caffeine. Surprisingly little extra caffeine is needed to cause symptoms.
Sometimes, medications can even cause symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations, delusions, and other distortions in thinking. Steroids such as prednisone are the most well-known. Many others have the same effect at excessive doses. Once in awhile an unpredictable psychotic reaction can occur with any medication, even at a regular dose.
Sleeping pills are the most problematic in terms of producing changes in our concentration, memory and thinking. These medications suppress normal sleep patterns, interfering with our REM stage of sleep. The brain doesn't get it's needed rest, and chronic use leads to multiple problems. We can end up more tired than we started plus have a host of other new problems. Also, the drugs are rapidly addictive.
It is critical that all your doctors know about all of your medications. If you have many prescriptions from various physicians it can help to give each provider a list. Include any frequently taken over-the-counter medication. Sometimes both patient and physician forget to mention these.
Many times symptoms of depression, anxiety or changes in personality or thinking are completely psychiatric and require treatment of their own. But if the symptoms have a sudden onset and started at the same time you began a new medication, first rule out the possibility that they are side effects of the new drug. This requires a close examination by both you and your doctor. The two of you can work together to ferret out possible causes.
Please read Tips About Medications and Seniors
Dr. Moore is a licensed psychologist and Founder and Director of Fall Creek Associates. She is President of the Sacramento Psychological Association, adjunct faculty member in the School of Psychology at the Fielding Graduate Institute, teaches classes through The Learning Exchange, and frequently appear as a guest on public service programs having to do with psychology and emotional wellness. She has also written a newspaper column called Senior Wellness, which focuses on general psychology topics as well as those of special interest to senior readers. In addition to working with private clients, she welcomes the opportunity to disseminate information on psychology and mental health issues to the general public through her PsychPages website.
