Do Antidepressants Weaken Bones?

Older adults who take antidepressants may be at greater risk for bone fractures, studies suggest.

In one of the most recent studies, published in the May issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine, researchers found that antidepressant use in postmenopausal women - with an average age of 64 - was associated with an increased risk of certain bone fractures, including those of the spine.

The study did not, however, find any strong association between antidepressant use and wrist or hip fractures.

The women had a 30% increased risk of spine fracture, with an overall increased risk of 20% for any type of fracture.

While study author Leslie Spangler says that no definitive cause-and-effect relationship has been established between antidepressants and bone loss, older patients taking antidepressants should consider seeing their physician to be evaluated for osteoporosis, according to Dr. David Goltzman, director of the McGill Centre for Bone and Periodontal Research at McGill University in Montreal. Dr. Goltzman further advises that you should not stop taking your antidepressant if you really need it.

To reduce your risk for bone loss, regardless of whether you are taking antidepressants, Mayo Clinic experts advise:

• Get at least 1500 mg of calcium per day.
• Get at least 800 IU of vitamin D per day.
• Do strength building as well as weight bearing exerise on a regular basis.
• Get soy in your diet.
• Don't smoke.
• Don't drink excessive alcohol.