Depressogenic

A depressogenic substance or depressogen is an agent that has the potential to induce or exacerbate depression, typically as an adverse effect. These substances stand in contrast to antidepressants, which are designed to alleviate symptoms of depression.

Classification

Depressogens can be classified into two main categories:

• Pharmacological Agents: These are drugs or medications known to induce depression as a side effect.
• Endogenous Compounds: These are naturally occurring substances in the body that have been associated with stress and depression.

Examples of Depressogenic Drugs

• Anticonvulsants: Notably the barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam), vigabatrin, and topiramate.
• Corticosteroids: Such as dexamethasone and prednisone.
• Cytokines: Particularly interferon-α and interleukin-2.
• Antihypertensives: Including amiodarone, clonidine, methyldopa, reserpine, and tetrabenazine.
• Endocrine modulators: Agents that disrupt hormone pathways like GnRH agonists (e.g., leuprolide, goserelin), anastrozole, finasteride, and clomiphene.
• Others: A variety of drugs including flunarizine, mefloquine, and efavirenz. Rimonabant, an anti-obesity drug, was notably withdrawn from the market due to its association with severe psychiatric effects.

Endogenous Depressogens

• Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH): Implicated in stress responses.
• Cytokines: Especially interferon-α and interleukin-2.
• Tachykinins: Such as substance P.
• Glucocorticoids: Like cortisol and cortisone.
• Dynorphin: A kappa opioid receptor agonist associated with dysphoric effects.

Implications

Understanding the role of depressogenic substances is essential for clinicians in prescribing medications, especially for patients with a history of depression or at risk for the disorder. Additionally, recognizing endogenous compounds linked with stress and depression can provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies and the pathophysiology of the disease.

See Also

• Depression
• Antidepressants
• Pharmacology
• Endocrine System
• Anxiogenic
• Euphoriant

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