7 Common Medications that Could Be Making You Depressed

While medications are supposed to make you feel better, which most of the time they do, they also come with side effects. While unwanted, they are usually minor, though in some cases, they can be serious. Some drugs may cause depression, regardless of whether or not you're predisposed to mental health problems. 

 

According to a study published in JAMA, more than one-third of adults may be using prescription medications which have the potential to cause depression and may also increase the risk of suicide. As part of the study, researchers found that more than 200 commonly used drugs have depression or suicide listed as potential side effects. 

 

However, because many of these drugs - including hormonal contraceptives, blood pressure and heart medications, antacids, and painkillers - are prescribed for purposes unrelated to mental health, it's worrying that patients may never be warned about the increased risks. Below are some commonly used drugs that are sometimes linked to depression. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you're taking any one of these.

1. Beta blockers  

 

Beta blockers such as metoprolol are widely prescribed to treat high blood pressure. They are also used for chest pain, irregular heartbeat, migraine, some tremors, and even glaucoma. It is especially used for hypertension, beta blockers are used long-term, however, research has also linked it with depression. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives and beta blockers aren't used as often anymore. Joshua Nathan, MD, president-elect o the Illinois Psychiatric Society and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of Illinois Chicago says "they've gone a little out of favor as a standard treatment because there are newer things that may work better without (the risk of depression)." 

 

2. Corticosteroids 

Steroids like prednisone are used to treat a surprising number of conditions, including autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, asthma, allergies, and cancer. However, they can have an effect on mental health. "Chronic use is associated with a range of psychiatric problems. It can cause depression, anxiety, psychosis - and I've seen all of those things," Dr. Nathan says. Euphoria and mania seem to be more common with short-term use while depression becomes more prominent with longer use, even if the doses aren't large. Furthermore, a family history of depression or alcoholism could put you at a greater risk for developing one of these side effects when using corticosteroids. Talk to your doctor or specialist about your risk factors and medication alternatives. 

 

3. Antibiotics  

While this does not apply to all antibiotics there are some which have been linked with depression, notably levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Both belong to the family of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones and are prescribed for a variety of bacterial infections. A large study conducted in the United Kingdom found that just one course of quinolones was linked with a 25% higher risk of depression. Furthermore, taking one course of med in the penicillin group of antibiotics was associated with a 23% higher risk of depression. Two courses of penicillin took the risk up to 40%, and more than five courses involved a 56% higher risk. With this in mind, it is essential that you take antibiotics only when you need to. Overusing can also contribute to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

 

4. Interferon 

It has been found that 40% of people being treated with interferon develop depression. The drug is used to treat some cancers and viral infections like hepatitis C, among other things. Once the treatment has ended, depression usually goes away. However, one study found that it could come back later. Because interferon combats life-threatening illnesses, antidepressants are sometimes used so that a person can continue the treatment. Research has shown that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other classes of antidepressants can bring relief up to 85% of people who develop depression during interferon treatment. medications that cause depression

5. Anticonvulsants  

According to some reports, anticonvulsant (or anti-seizure) drugs like topiramate and gabapentin may contribute to depression. These drugs suppress the central nervous system and may be associated with depression. Benzodiazepines, such as anti-anxiety meds Xanax and Valium, are also CNS depressants and have been associated with depression. Thankfully, medication-induced depression goes away when you stop the medication. Anticonvulsants are now used to treat bipolar disorder too, pain from damaged nerves and fibromyalgia. There are other treatments for all of these conditions, and there are also alternatives for benzodiazepines. 

 

6. Opioids 

The addictive painkillers - which are responsible for one of the greatest public health crises in American history-also seem to increase the risk of depression. In one study, it was found that the risk of depression in people who had never had it increased the longer they took opioids, starting at about 30 days. The dose didn't seem to play a role. People with these mood disorders are at a greater risk of abusing opioids. 

 

7. Hormonal birth control 

Some studies have found a correlation between contraceptive methods (including birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, and hormonal IUDs) and depression or lower quality of life. Researchers say that hormonal changes triggered by these medications, such as a decrease in testosterone or an increase in progesterone, may play a role. Nevertheless, it is important to take these findings with a grain of salt and to also bear in mind that birth control can affect each woman differently. A recent review published in Contraception found that there is no link between hormonal contraception and depression. Furthermore, a study published last year in Menopause discovered that hormonal birth control may actually protect women from depression later in life.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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How to Get Rid of Milia Safely

You look in the mirror and there they are: a bunch of tiny, hard white spots on your face, possibly with a faint blue tint. They don’t look or feel like a typical zit or whitehead, so what could they be? Most likely, they're something called milia, or tiny pockets of dead skin.

“Milia are made of keratin,” says Farah Moustafa, MD, dermatologist and director of laser and cosmetics at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. They commonly develop on the cheeks, eyelids and the nose. As your skin naturally exfoliates old cells so that new ones can develop, the cells can get trapped, harden and become cystic — that’s milia. “Think of them as pimples with nowhere to go,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist and the director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

These benign cysts — sometimes called “milk spots”— are very common in infants; about 50% of babies have them at birth, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But they can show up on anyone at any age. 

What causes milia in adults?

According to Dermatology Advisor, there are different types of milia, including neonatal milia, the type that shows up on infants' skin. The most common type in adults is primary milia; there are two other types that are less common, one that occurs in clusters on your skin and another that's caused by trauma to the skin.

Besides the process of skin cells being trapped during the natural process of exfoliation, milia can also occur because of other factors. “They may be due to sun damage or from heavy skin care products,” Dr. Zeichner says. Oil-based makeup or cleansers can be a culprit, if they clog your pores.

Skin damage from an injury or a rash, or prolonged use of corticosteroids, can also be a possible cause. Additionally, certain medical conditions can cause milia to form. “Milia can be a secondary symptom of a blistering skin condition, like a burn,” explains Dr. Moustafa. “They can also happen because of an autoimmune disease or genetic condition.” You can also get milia if you don’t cleanse your skin regularly, and you may be more prone to develop them if you have rosacea or dandruff.

The first thing you may wonder is whether you should see a doctor if you have milia. Most often, there's no need to. “Milia are completely harmless and are strictly a cosmetic issue,” says Dr. Zeichner.

Often times, they'll simply go away on their own. But if yours are sticking around, and they bug you, don’t try any of the “milia removers” you see online – they’re completely ineffective, experts say. 

How to get rid of — and prevent — milia:

Don't try to remove them yourself.

It's never a good idea to try a pop milia like a pimple (you also shouldn't be popping your pimples!). "Never poke or prod milia,” advises Dr. Moustafa. “And avoid scrubbing milia with any kind of gritty exfoliant.”

Focus on gentle cleansing.

Here's the best daily remedy to try: “Gentle skin care,” says Dr. Moustafa. “Look for one with mild exfoliating properties, like glycolic or lactic acid.” Wash your face the right way, following advice from the American Academy of Dermatology: Using a gentle cleanser and your fingertips, wash with lukewarm water, avoiding scrubbing and rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Also, make sure your skin has a chance to breathe and be free of makeup every once in a while.

Try topical retinoid cream.

If you have a predisposition to milia, your dermatologist may recommend you try a topical retinoid if you have a recurrence. “This can help by removing cells in the outer skin layer, encouraging eventual release of the milia from your skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Retinols are among the best ingredients to help turn over skin cells, and keep milia at bay,” explains Dr. Moustafa. “Retinols are often prescription-based, but you can try a non-Rx product with adapalene gel, a type of retinoid, at bedtime.”

Always wear sunscreen.

This is a golden rule even if you don't have milia, but sun damage can be a common contributor. Be sure to properly apply at least an SPF 30 sunscreen to your skin 30 minutes before heading outside. Birnur K. Aral, Ph.D., the Good Housekeeping Institute's Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab executive director, suggests applying a nickel-size dollop to your face. For sprays, she suggests spraying the sunscreen all over skin, then rubbing it in. “I recommend using a sunblock that’s non-greasy and has the word ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label,” says Dr. Moustafa. The term “non-comedogenic” is used by cosmetic companies to describe a product that promises not to clog your pores. These products are less likely to cause skin issues like milia because they aren’t thick, creamy or oily. Choose a liquid or gel formula for best results.

Visit a dermatologist for professional removal.

To actually remove milia, you need to have them extracted from your skin. “This means when a dermatologist physically creates an opening with a needle or a scalpel blade,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Never do this yourself. Trying to remove milia the wrong way can lead to infections or scars.” And he adds, “Milia around the eyes are particularly difficult to address, because of their proximity to your eyeball.”

The actual process of removing milia is called de-roofing. A dermatologist uses a needle to remove the flap that’s trapping the keratin in your skin and pluck out the keratin itself. The procedure isn’t covered by insurance, though, and can be a bit pricey, ranging from $200-$500 on average. 

Products to Consider Adding to Your Skincare Routine to Prevent Milia

 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com     is my latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.