New study finds antidepressants increases hip fracture risk in older people
| Jun 4, 2019, 13:39 IST
Older people who take antidepressants or opioids are at an increased risk of hip fractures, according to a new study. These types of drugs are used to treat a number of issues including dementia, depression and pain. However, they also have some serious side effects like dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness.These factors make that chance of a fall or fracture more likely.
Study authors Professor Libby Roughead and Dr Kerrie Westaway from the University of South Australia investigated how these mind-altering drugs have an impact on older people. For the study, the team examined the data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA). They compared the information to a similar case study. The team reviewed data of 8828 veterans with hip fractures and 35,310 people of the same age who took medicine.
"Antidepressants, opioids, antiepileptic medicines, benzodiazepines (used to treat anxiety) and antipsychotics all increase the risk of hip fractures," Prof Roughead told a news portal. Adding, "Combining them increases the risk even further, up to five times in the case of starting antidepressants and anxiety medicines together."
Close to 28,000 Australians over the age of 50 were reportedly hospitalized with a hip fracture in 2018. Close to five per cent of those patients died in hospital and almost 10 per cent were discharged to an aged care facility. Reducing your intake of these medicines, physical activity and other treatment options like occupational therapy can help minimise your risk of a fall or fracture, according to the researchers. The study's findings were originally published in Australian Prescriber.
Previous research has found depression and antidepressants use can increase the risk of blood clots forming in vital veins, which can be extremely life-threatening. Another study found pregnant women who take antidepressants could be putting their babies' emotional development at risk. "The study highlights the need for further research on the potential long-term behavioural and psychological outcomes of these neuro-developmental changes," lead author Dr Claudia Lugo-Candelas, a psychiatrist at Columbia University, told a news portal.
Study authors Professor Libby Roughead and Dr Kerrie Westaway from the University of South Australia investigated how these mind-altering drugs have an impact on older people. For the study, the team examined the data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA). They compared the information to a similar case study. The team reviewed data of 8828 veterans with hip fractures and 35,310 people of the same age who took medicine.
"Antidepressants, opioids, antiepileptic medicines, benzodiazepines (used to treat anxiety) and antipsychotics all increase the risk of hip fractures," Prof Roughead told a news portal. Adding, "Combining them increases the risk even further, up to five times in the case of starting antidepressants and anxiety medicines together."
Close to 28,000 Australians over the age of 50 were reportedly hospitalized with a hip fracture in 2018. Close to five per cent of those patients died in hospital and almost 10 per cent were discharged to an aged care facility. Reducing your intake of these medicines, physical activity and other treatment options like occupational therapy can help minimise your risk of a fall or fracture, according to the researchers. The study's findings were originally published in Australian Prescriber.
Previous research has found depression and antidepressants use can increase the risk of blood clots forming in vital veins, which can be extremely life-threatening. Another study found pregnant women who take antidepressants could be putting their babies' emotional development at risk. "The study highlights the need for further research on the potential long-term behavioural and psychological outcomes of these neuro-developmental changes," lead author Dr Claudia Lugo-Candelas, a psychiatrist at Columbia University, told a news portal.