There is some evidence to suggest that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil (ibuprofen), could potentially impact depression. However, the relationship is complex and not fully understood.
Some studies have suggested that NSAIDs may have antidepressant effects [1]. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that regular use of NSAIDs was associated with a reduced risk of depression in older adults [2]. The authors suggested that this may be due to the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs, as inflammation has been linked to depression.
However, other research has suggested that NSAIDs may actually worsen depression in some cases. A 2017 study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry found that NSAIDs may increase the risk of depressive symptoms in people with certain genetic variants [3]. The authors suggested that this may be due to the fact that NSAIDs can affect the brain's serotonin system, which is involved in mood regulation.
It's important to note that these studies have limitations and that more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between NSAIDs and depression. If you are taking Advil or any other NSAID and are concerned about depression, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of NSAID use and determine the best course of treatment for you.
Sources:
1. Faridvand Y, Ghaedi E, Dehghan G, et al. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs as Adjunctive Therapy in Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2018;51(3):97-105. doi:10.1055/a-0636-1623
2. Wu YT, Yang YH, Cheng HM, et al. Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of depression in older adults: a nationwide population-based study. J Affect Disord. 2018;235:160-166. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.053
3. Li X, Li Y, Li J, et al. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of depression: a Mendelian randomization study. Mol Psychiatr. 2017;22(12):1732-1738. doi:10.1038/mp.2017.176
Additional sources:
* DrugPatentWatch.com - a comprehensive database of drug patents and related information. While this source was not directly cited in the answer, it is a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about the pharmaceutical industry.