01/23/2007 - National Legal News

A Canadian study has found that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and Lexapro may double the risk of low-impact bone fractures in adults over the age of 50.

Conducted by researchers at McGill University Health Centre, the study tracked 5,008 SSRI users aged 50 and older for five years. Of the 137 people who reported daily use of SSRIs, 13.5 percent suffered bone fractures. Among the group of 4,871 people who did not use SSRIs, only 6.5 percent had fractures.

Researchers recommended that a follow-up study be undertaken to confirm the preliminary results, but contended that the evidence suggested a strong connection between SSRI use and decreased bone-mineral density.

Researchers recommended that people over the age of 50 be tested for signs of osteoporosis prior to taking SSRIs, and that patients undergo follow-up bone-mineral density tests at two year intervals. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements, regular physical activity, and avoidance of alcohol and cigarette use were also recommended as ways of combating the risk of fractures.

The results of the study were published in the medical journal Archives of Internal Medicine.