Prozac side effects could increase risk of fractures for seniors
According to studies released earlier this week, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft and other antidepressants in the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), appear to weaken bones in elderly people, and could lead to disabling fractures. Together, these drugs account for over 60% of all antidepressant prescriptions in the United States.
>>INFORMATION: Antidepressant side effects
On Monday two new studies were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine journal regarding the effect of antidepressants on bone mass among older adults taking antidepressants. These studies found that the use of SSRI antidepressants is associated with an increased rate of bone loss, which could increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
The studies found a link between the SSRI antidepressants and the functioning of cells associated with bone health. SSRIs operate by blocking a protein that is found in both the brain and in bone. This protein works as a conveyer of serotonin, the chemical linked to sleep, mood and depression. By inhibiting the serotonin protein of the brain, it appears that SSRI antidepressants are also weakening bones.
While the studies did not specifically look at the risk of fracture, an earlier study published in January 2007 did find that older adults taking antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil, face twice the risk of fractures when compared to those taking a placebo.
>>PRIOR POST 1/24/2007: Antidepressant fractures
As many as 40% of elderly adults are taking an antidepressant and loss of bone density could pose a significant health risk for them. Balance and equilibrium problems among older adults greatly increase the risk of falls, and a broken bone is much more disabling for older adults who are slower to heal and generally weaker. Complications which arise from bone fractures could also result in life-altering injuries, or even death in some cases.
Researchers have indicated that further studies are necessary to judge the extent of the problems which antidepressants cause, especially given the benefits antidepressants provide in treating depression in seniors. Some experts have suggested that seniors taking antidepressants may need to take other bone strengthening drugs, such as Fosomax, to combat the potential bone loss. However, chasing one drug’s side effects with another medication is never appealing. Fosamax itself has been linked to jaw problems, with an increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw.
ANTIDEPRESSANT SIDE EFFECT LAWSUITS
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential antidepressant lawsuits for users of Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and other SSRI antidepressants for several different side effects which have been associated with the drugs. The medications are linked to an increased risk of suicides among teens and young adults, birth defects when taken during pregnancy and serotonin syndrome when taking with certain migraine drugs.
>>RELATED POST 6/28/07: Paxil birth defects study
Our lawyers are closely reviewing the potential impact these drugs have on bone loss and the potential for fractures. If you, a friend or family member suffered a serious permanent injury as a result of an antidepressant fracture, request a free consultation.
1 Comment • Add Your Comments
linda says:
I have suffered with acute axienty and panic disorder since the age of 21,I had been taking tofranil for many years when my dr at about the age of 45 talked me into going on paxil,I declined at first but then decided to go by what he suggested,took it for about five years when I began to feel like I had MS,joints and bones were hurting and was falling alot.Got switched to zoloft and had worse problems during the first year but thought it just part of aging.I have been on zoloft for about 4 years now and have had to go on social security disibility.Have ostioperousis,many falls and broken bones and have been diagnose with degenerative spine desease.Lose my balance and have taken so many falls,Last one I have not recovered from and have pain in my upper spine sometime have to just lay down.Not even the vicoden helps this pain.also suffered a slight concusion.I have weekness in all my limbs and cant walk or sit very long because of the pain,When I get up in the morning I feel like I cant even walk.also have neuropthy in my foot and siatic pain.I was in good physical health prior to starting these meds.Aso have no sexual feeling since I was put on this medication but when I try to go off I have bad side effects along with depression which I didnt have before.I was put on them for anxiety and panic disorder.I am now 60 and feel like I am 90 as far as my physical health goes.Can not work anymore and am having a hard time living on 800 a month,I have been treated by a neuroligist at ucsd and he told me there was nothing he could do for meI have to take pain meds on a daily basis.
Posted on September 27, 2011 at 10:19 pm