Drugs associated with depression:
(1) methyldopa
(2) reserpine
(3) guanethidine
(4) calcium channel blockers (verapamil, nifedipine, others)
(5) benzodiazepines or other sedative hypnotics
(6) corticosteroids
(7) estrogen
(8) progesterone
(9) tamoxifen
(10) anti-Parkinsonian agents (levodopa, others)
(11) narcotic analgesics
(12) propanolol or other beta blockers
(13) cimetidine
(14) clonidine
(15) hydralazine
(16) vinblastine
(17) vincristine
(18) dextropropoxyphene
(19) drug with a marked anticholinergic effect
Criteria for diagnosis:
(1) presence of clinical depression (sad mood or diminished interest or pleasure in most activities)
(2) taking a medication associated with depression
(3) onset of depression after starting the medication or after a change in a drug regimen
(4) reversal of depression after discontinuation of the implicated drug or change in drug regimen
Patients at increased risk:
(1) elderly patients
(2) patients taking multiple drugs
Differential diagnosis:
(1) ordinary depression
(2) depression secondary to a general medical condition
