Family matters

Accutane, the acne drug

Vrtually any drug that that interferes with metabolism of nutrients and causes nutritional deficiencies can cause depression. In particular, watch out for drugs that cause deficiencies in vitamin C and the B vitamins, zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, chromium or potassium, or either too much or too little calcium. For a full list, consult our alternatives columns in WDDTY vol 12, nos 4, 5 and 6).

Here’s a sampling:
Ritalin (methylphenidate)
Aromatase inhibitors
Statins
SSRI (selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants
Beta-blockers
Steroids
Tranquillisers
The birth-control pill
Aspirin and other salicylates

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