Can flagyl cause depression?

In this blog post, we are going to talk about the possibility of flagyl causing depression. Flagyl is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics and it is usually prescribed for stomach infections. 

Antibiotics are known to produce some side effects, but not many people know about the psychological side effects associated with their use. We will cover everything there is to know about flagyl induced depression. 

Can Flagyl cause depression? 

Yes, flagyl may cause depression in some individuals. The incidence of this side effect is rare, but it can still affect some more than the others. Experts believe that there are other factors that might be able to contribute to this effect. 

However, we still do not have enough data to be absolutely sure whether the drug alone is responsible for this side effect or some underlying mental health condition meddles with it. 

Make sure you report to your healthcare provider as soon as you start to exhibit any signs of depression. A little stress every now and then has become a part of our lives, but if you feel your mental health seriously deteriorating or you feel depressed without a solid reason and you think your antibiotic is the cause of it, immediately talk to your doctor. 

What does research suggest? 

There are several research studies in which experts tried to hunt down the answers to provide a logical explanation behind flagyl induced depression. One study indicated that metronidazole can not only induce depression, but it can cause psychosis. 

This antibiotic seems to block monoaminoxidase, an enzyme which is responsible for the breakdown of excitatory neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. This can induce excessive neuronal firing which can result in psychosis. 

Another study indicated that metronidazole can cause episodes of depression, like panic attacks. It’s not consistent and you remain fine during the day, but at some point you begin to feel like you’re sinking in depression. 

A few experts believe that it’s all just a myth as metronidazole can not cause depression. They believe that the duration of antibiotic treatment is short because they are not supposed to be used for a long period of time. This makes the side effects less and temporary. 

There are several other researchers that completely negate this belief. With so many variable theories, just bear one thing in mind that there is no medication out there that causes the same kind of effects in every other individual. 

There are some underlying health conditions that can make your brain more susceptible to side effects. Some people have low medication tolerance and they get all the kinds of side effects that a normal person might not get. 

This indicates that there is no way to be certain what medication will break havoc on you. Just start from the lowest effective dose and make sure you are not experiencing any unusual side effects. 

If you do, immediately report to your healthcare provider. Do not stop the medication without your doctor’s approval. 

What are the side effects associated with the use of flagyl? 

Like every other medication on this planet, flagyl (Metronidazole) is also associated with some side effects. These include:

• Nausea 
• Diarrhoea 
• Upset stomach
• Acid reflux 
• Abdominal pain
• Heart palpitations
• Vomiting 
• Tachycardia 
• Suffocation 
• Xerostomia or dry mouth 
• Furry tongue 

Metronidazole is also associated with some serious side effects. These include:

• Allergic reaction associated with symptoms like redness of skin, itching, burning sensation, blisters, blue-purple patches, tightness of chest, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, hoarseness etc. 
• Swelling or tenderness in different parts of the body.
• Flu like symptoms 
• Vaginal dryness
• Severe Tachycardia 
• Blackouts 

These side effects can vary from person to person. Some people get away with mild side effects, while others suffer terribly. Make sure you report to your healthcare provider if you exhibit any sign of an allergic reaction or any unusual side effect. 

Why is flagyl prescribed and how to use this medication properly? 

Metronidazole is available in the form of tablets and capsules and is sold under different brand names, one of which is flagyl. 

It is used to treat bacterial infections including infections of skin, gastrointestinal tract, bone, heart, lung, joint, nervous system and several other kinds of infections. 

Make sure you take this medication only if prescribed by your healthcare provider. Unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to the development of resistance which can become a big problem. If you continue to take antibiotics carelessly, it will not work when you will actually need it. 

This is because the bacteria become resistant and are not bothered by the antibiotic. No matter how much you take, the med remains ineffective. Make sure you follow the proper precautions:

• Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have ever been allergic to flagyl in the past or if the resistance has been developed, or if you’re allergic to any of the excipients present in its formulation. 
• Inform your doctor if you’re taking disulfiram or any of its derivatives. Flagyl is not supposed to be taken with it so don’t take these medications together. 
• Inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing disease that may interact with your antibiotic negatively. Drug-Disease interactions are real and they should always be ruled out. 
• Avoid the use of alcohol with this medication. The concomitant use may cause severe side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea etc. 
• Do not suggest medications, unless you are a healthcare professional yourself. Do not share medications. You might think your conditions match but oftentimes they don’t. It’s actually pretty dangerous.
• Report any problems with bleeding or bruising to your doctor. If you see any unexplained blisters or rashes on your body, or experience any problems with urination, or if you feel changes in your vision, immediately report to your healthcare provider. 

In case of overdose, immediately reach out to the hospital. Make sure you properly guide them about how much drug you have taken and when. 

In case you have missed a dose and you’re way past the usual time at which you take your med, do not take it. It will cause you to overdose when you take your next dose, which is not too far away. 

It’s better to skip the missed dose and take the next one. If you remember your missed dose earlier, it’s safe for you to take it.

The most important thing that should be considered if you wish to use flagyl or any other medication is to look out for a possible drug-drug interaction.

Make sure you inform your doctor if you’re taking any other prescription medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics etc. It is also quite important to talk about your mineral or vitamin supplements if you’re taking any. 

Drug interactions should be an important consideration before taking two or more medicines together. Yes, drugs in combination are often used to achieve better therapeutic response but this is not the case with every interaction. 

Some drugs are highly incompatible with one another. They often cancel out each other’s effects or antagonise them. Some drugs are so incompatible that they end up changing the entire chemical composition of one another. 

Some interfere with metabolism or bioavailability (the rate and extent at which the active drug moiety enters systemic circulation/blood). This can lead to drug accumulation in different parts of the body. 

It is always advised to inform your healthcare provider of any medicine you take before getting a new prescription. Your doctor will make sure not to prescribe any such drug which might interfere with those you are already taking. 

Conclusion 

In this blog post, we have discussed the possibility of flagyl causing depression. The incidence of this side effect is rare, but it can still affect some individuals. Experts believe that there are other factors that might be able to contribute to this effect. 

However, we still do not have enough data to be absolutely sure whether the drug alone is responsible for this side effect or some underlying mental health condition meddles with it. Make sure you report to your healthcare provider as soon as you start to exhibit any signs of depression. 

Make sure you take this medication only if prescribed by your healthcare provider. Unnecessary use of antibiotics can lead to the development of resistance which can become a big problem. If you continue to take antibiotics carelessly, it will not work when you will actually need it. 

FAQs: flagyl depression 

Can flagyl cause depression?

Yes, flagyl may cause depression in some individuals. The incidence of this side effect is rare, but it can still affect some individuals. Experts believe that there are other factors that might be able to contribute to this effect. 

However, we still do not have enough data to be absolutely sure whether the drug alone is responsible for this side effect or some underlying mental health condition meddles with it. Make sure you report to your healthcare provider as soon as you start to exhibit any signs of depression.

CAN flagyl affect your mood?

Yes, flagyl can affect your mood. One study indicated that metronidazole can not only induce depression, but it can cause psychosis. This antibiotic seems to block monoaminoxidase, an enzyme which is responsible for the breakdown of excitatory neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. This can induce excessive neuronal firing which can result in psychosis.

What are the most common side effects of Flagyl?

Like every other medication on this planet, flagyl (Metronidazole) is also associated with some side effects. These include:

• Nausea 
• Diarrhoea 
• Upset stomach
• Acid reflux 
• Abdominal pain
• Heart palpitations
• Vomiting 
• Tachycardia 
• Suffocation 
• Xerostomia or dry mouth 
• Furry tongue 

How does metronidazole make you feel?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections including infections of skin, gastrointestinal tract, bone, heart, lung, joint, nervous system and several other kinds of infections.  It may cause some side effects in some individuals. 

Does flagyl cause serious side effects? 

Metronidazole is also associated with some serious side effects. These include:

• Allergic reaction associated with symptoms like redness of skin, itching, burning sensation, blisters, blue-purple patches, tightness of chest, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, hoarseness etc. 
• Swelling or tenderness in different parts of the body.
• Flu like symptoms 
• Vaginal dryness
• Severe Tachycardia 
• Blackouts 

Can Metronidazole interact with other medications? 

Yes, Metronidazole can interact with other medications. Inform your doctor if you’re taking disulfiram or any of its derivatives. Flagyl is not supposed to be taken with it so don’t take these medications together. 

Make sure you inform your doctor if you’re taking any other prescription medications like antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics etc. It is also quite important to talk about your mineral or vitamin supplements if you’re taking any.

References 

• E E Essien et al. J Pharm Pharmacol. (1985) – Metronidazole-induced depression: chemical and pharmacological studies on the role of calcium in-vitro https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2858574/
• A J Voth. Can Med Assoc J. (1969) – Possible association between metronidazole and agitated depression https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5789554/
• National Library of Medicine – Metronidazole https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689011.html 
• Flagyl side effects centre https://www.rxlist.com/flagyl-side-effects-drug-center.htm