Antidepressants and Osteoporosis - Nevada City

Taking antidepressants decreases your bone mass, researchers say. You may recall an article I wrote several months ago showing that depression itself contributes to osteoporosis. At that time researchers proposed that prescribing a class of antidepressants called SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil) would combat the bone loss. A new study shows just the opposite--the drugs create more bone loss!

The study was reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine. It reported 4% less bone mass on average in people on the drugs. Astonishingly, people on SSRI’s doubled their risk of hip fracture! One in ten broke a bone over the 5-year study period! Remember from my past article on this subject that many people with depression find great benefit by supplementing with 5-HTP, a natural precursor to serotonin. Remember too that you can re-create your brain, outlook, and mood with the tools on the stress reduction page!