Few medicines are free of side effects. New research shows that people taking antidepressants for prolonged periods are more likely to have weaker bones and increased fracture rates.
In January 2007, the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that persons age 65+ who were taking antidepressant medications, such as Prozac®, Zoloft®, and Paxil®, had decreased bone mineral levels and twice the risk of a fracture than that of individuals not taking these antidepressants.
In June 2007, two more articles were published comparing bone health in those taking antidepressants and those not taking them. Researchers found that hip bone mineral density (BMD, a marker for bone strength) decreased at a rate nearly twice as fast in women taking antidepressants (specifically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs) than in women not taking them.2 Other antidepressant medications studied (such as TCAs) did not cause excess BMD loss. Similar results were found in men. Men taking antidepressants had lower BMD values by 4% at the hip and 6% in the lumbar spine region compared to men not taking antidepressants.
If you are taking antidepressants, do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor. You can discuss alternative therapies. Some studies looking at long-term relief of depression have found that a regular exercise program (30+ minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily) to be effective in decreasing depression. One study showed it to be just as effective as medication. Some of the antidepressants (the TCAs) are not linked to bone health problems.
In summary, people taking antidepressants that are of the SSRI type could be at risk for problems with bone health.
References:
Richards JB, et al. Effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on the risk of fracture. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2007 Jan 22;167:188-194.
Diem SJ, et al. Use of antidepressants and rates of hip bone loss in older women. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2007 Jun 25;167:1240-1245.
Haney EM, et al. Association of low bone mineral density with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use by older men. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2007 Jun 25;167:1246-1251.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Health, United States, 2006. National Center for Health Statistics Press. 2006 and wellsource.
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