Robert Filice, M.D. - Dr. Bob's Newsletter

Another Reason to Avoid Anti-Depressant Drugs
In a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine 5008 individuals over 50 years old were followed for 5 years. One hundred and thirty seven of this number were taking daily doses of an SSRI (selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor...ie antidepressant medication). The incidence of documented fractures and falls was two times greater in the group taking the SSRI's than the non drug taking control group.

Apparently the SSRI's have adverse effects on other metabolic processes than the ones I have often written about before. The main one which has been a great subject of my concern was that long term use of antidressants eventually causes depletion in seratonin levels. This is usually manifested in a patient who had initially had improvement from the medication, but then the symptoms recur, and the drug dose has to be increased or the medication switched. It is a law of diminishing returns. The drugs do NOT increase neurotransmitter levels. Only amino acid therapy can do that.

Considering the serious disability and sometimes even mortality that accompanies fractures in the older age group, this finding points to antidepressant therapy in patients over 50 as being a significant individual as well as a public health concern. Sometimes antidepressant drugs are necessary, extremely helpful, and the associated risks may be warranted. But everyone on antidepressants should know the downside, and consider the wisdom of looking at alternative natural therapies under a physician's supervision, either in place of or in conjunction with the medication.

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