Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can affect your mood and cause symptoms of depression. A few examples are:

• Medicines for depression and anxiety.
• Seizure medicines (anticonvulsants).
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
• Medicines that contain hormones, such as birth control pills and hormone therapy used to treat the symptoms of menopause.
• Pain medicines.

Symptoms of depression can also be caused by the use of or withdrawal from alcohol and illegal drugs.