Link Found Between Depression Drugs and Increased Hip Fracture Risk in Elderly

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are linked to an increased risk of fallen or broken hip leading to fractures in the elderly.

Depression and anxiety are a serious illness which has a major impact on the physical and mental well being.

According to a recent study, older individuals who took medications for depression and anxiety had an increased risk of hip fracture when compared to the older population.

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The study aimed to find out whether antidepressant use is associated with an increased risk of hip fracture among persons with and without Alzheimer's disease.

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An increased risk of hip fracture was noted among the older individuals who took medications for depression and anxiety.

The analysis measured drug levels in individuals’ blood samples, which provided investigators with a more precise measure than asking participants if they took the medications or examining their medical records. Indeed, the drugs were often present in these samples despite no information in patients’ medical records.

"We were surprised to find that so many patients had centrally-acting drugs in their blood without doctors being aware of this use. Several of the detected drugs increase the risk of falling, which underscores the clinical relevance of these findings," said Ragnhild Birkeland Waade, lead author of the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology study.

Antidepressant Side Effects Higher In People With Panic Disorder
People suffering from panic disorder, who are on antidepressants, experience more side effects from the medication.

Source-Eurekalert

Quiz on Antidepressants
The use of antidepressants is quite common with an increase in stress-related depression of the modern world. The tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and imipramine are among the older drugs for the treatment of depression. Newer drugs like the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the atypical antidepressants like mianserin and mirtazapine result in lesser side effects. Test your knowledge on antidepressants by taking this quiz.

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View list of generic and brand names of drugs used for treatment of Anxiety Disorder. Find more information including dose, side effects of the Anxiety Disorder medicine.