All medications have side effects. But there?s an entire class of drugs that have more side effects than we once thought. And they?re not just minor ones.
Called SSRI?s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), these drugs are prescribed for depression. They include Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. And we?ve known for years that they can trigger all sorts of nasty side effects, such as weight gain, liver and kidney problems, and even in some cases suicide. But now they?ve been linked to osteoporosis.
A recent five-year study has unearthed two more reasons to be cautious about taking SSRI?s. It followed more than 5,000 adults over the age of 50 who took these medications daily. Researchers found two previously undetected side effects.
The first hidden side effect they found is that SSRIs increase your chance of falling. This is a serious side effect, especially if you?re over 50. The more times you fall, the more opportunity you have to break bones. Especially if they aren?t particularly dense.
Unfortunately, they also found that SSRIs decrease bone density as well.
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This same study concluded that taking them daily caused a 4% decrease in bone density at the hip and a 2.4% decrease in the spine. That?s too much to ignore.
Are antidepressants worth this risk?
I don?t think they are. If you know someone who is taking SSRI, encourage them to make an appointment today to talk with their doctor about other medications that have fewer side effects. They shouldn?t stop taking SSRIs without a doctor?s help. This can cause a rebound effect and lead to side effects they?re trying to avoid - like deep depression.
They should also eat a healthy sugar-free, caffeine-free, alcohol-free diet for the next few months. All of them contribute to depression.
If they want to get off medications completely (which I recommend), they should ask their doctor if they can try St John?s wort (Hyperium perforatum). Numerous studies have found it reduces depression in people with mild or moderate depression.
Your voice of reason in Women's Health,
Dr. Janet Zand
Sources:
Arch Intern Med, 2007;167:188-194.
Werbach, MR, MD, and Murray, MT, ND, Botanical Influences on Illness, Third Line Press, 1994.