Broken bones could be side effect of antidepressants in people over fifty

Christen Wiese

Contributor

0 CommentsPrint ArticleSubscribe

A study conducted in Canada has found that people over fifty who take antidepressants could have an increased risk of broken bones. The study concluded that people who take antidepressants over fifty faced double the risk of a broken bone compared to those who did not use the drugs.

One of the researchers stated that more research needed to be done to link the two components but the study provides the strongest evidence yet linking fractures and antidepressants. The research suggests that the drugs could have a direct affect on the bone cells therefore decreasing bone strength and size.

Depression affects millions of Americans and specifically seven million that are 65 or older. The researchers state that if patients need antidepressants they should not be denied the medication because of the risk of a broken bone, they should be warned.

The question stands in asking does the benefit of the medication outweigh the risk. As stated more research need to be done to link the risk.