Antidepressants Linked to Bone Loss?

Those who are subject to the risk factors for bone-density loss should also be hesitant to take certain prescribed antidepressants. Two recent studies found in the Archive of Internal Medicine, suggest there may be a link between imbibing a specific class of antidepressants, called Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRI's), and a decrease in bone density. According to News Daily, SSRI's account for about 62% of antidepressants prescriptions in the US.

SSRI's work by increasing the Serotonin activity in the brain. Serotonin is a neuro-transmitter that contributes greatly to our sleep cycles & appetite, mood, and inhibit pain. Serotonin can, therefore, be a great aid to many conditions. People who are taking Beta-Blockers, those suffering from Lupus, Fibromyalsia, Sleep Deprivation, Eating Disorders, etc can all potentially benefit from taking SSRI's. Many conditions can cause the serotonin producers in the body to re-absorb or metabolize serotonin. This means less serotonin is available in the body. SSRI's prevent the serotonin receptors from metabolizing the chemical, thus making the serotonin available to nerves.

So, how can SSRI's cause something as bad as bone density loss in both men and women over the ages of 55? The reabsorption of serotonin is done through a specific protein involved in cell metabolism. Recently this protein has been found to control bone cell metabolism as well. By taking SSRI's, the bones are prevented from absorbing the serotonin. Therefore, it is believed the bone density can decrease.

From 1997 to 1999, Dr. Susan Susan J. Diem, M.D., M.P.H., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and colleagues studied 2,722 older women (average age 78.5 years). Furthermore, Elizabeth M. Haney, M.D., of Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, and colleagues conducted a similar study with 5,995 men age 65 and older (average age 73.7). Both studies focused on the bone density of the hip joint. All participants were asked to bring in all medications taken within a two week span of time (this included all antidepressants). Of those studied who used the SSRI's there were 7.3% of the women and 2.7% of the men. After a span of roughly 4.5 years, the bone density comparisons were taken. Of those, the men taking SSRI's had about a 3.9% lower bone density than those men not taking SSRI's. Women taking SSRI's had a decrease of on average 3.5% greater decrease in bone density when compared to those women taking tricycline (a different form of antidepressant) and those taking no antidepressants.

Now, don't fret yet. Even the physicians who conducted the studies agreed further study would be required. There may have been contributing factors out side of the consumption of SSRI's that cause the drop in bone density. But, it is certainly worth while to discuss the possibility of an alternative medication with your physician. For a great many the benefits will out weigh the risks, but it is better to have an open line of communication with your physician so you may discuss such concerns.

References:
1) Use of Anti-Depressants and Rates of Bone Loss in Older Women, Archival of Internal Medicine, http://archinte.ama-assn.org/ , Blackwell, MA; Katie L. Stone, PhD; Kristine Yaffe, MD; Elizabeth M. Haney, MD; Michael M. Bliziotes, MD; Kristine E. Ensrud, MD, MPH; Arch Intern Med. 2007;167;1240-1245
2) Study: Antidepressants May Cause Bone Loss; News Daily: Science, http://www.newsdaily.com/ ; 2007 United States Press International.