Which medication is least likely to contribute to depression?

Diuretics are a class of medications primarily used to manage fluid retention and high blood pressure. They work by promoting the excretion of sodium and water from the body through the kidneys. Unlike sedatives, corticosteroids, and even some calcium channel blockers, diuretics do not have a direct role in affecting mood or mental health.

Sedatives can induce feelings of sedation or depression due to their action on the central nervous system. Corticosteroids are known to cause mood swings or depressive symptoms as they can impact hormonal balance and neurochemistry. Calcium channel blockers primarily manage cardiovascular conditions but can also be associated with adverse mood effects in some cases.

However, diuretics generally do not influence neurotransmitter levels or mood directly, making them the least likely to contribute to depression among the listed options. Thus, their mechanism of action does not involve pathways typically associated with mood disorders, establishing them as a safer choice in terms of the risk for depression.