More Problems With Prozac: It May Weaken Bones Or Stunt Growth

According to the latest research published in the journal Endocrinology, the early use of Prozac and other antidepressant drugs could lead to weaker bones in adulthood.  Prozac interacts with nerve cells to increase production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Researchers explained that the cellular mechanisms critical to bone growth shut down in the presence of these drugs. The result is stunted skeletal development.

A study was conducted on a group of mice that had been genetically altered to mimic antidepressant exposure.  Bone development was measured from birth to adulthood.  The genetically altered mice had smaller, less dense bones during development compared with normal mice.  Mice that had been exposed to Prozac early in life also had smaller and weaker bones during development. 

"Bones in the exposed mice were not shorter, but they were narrower and bone mass was reduced," said lead researcher Stuart J. Warden, PT, PhD. "This is especially significant because we now know that bone health early in life is important for ensuring bone health during adulthood."

Other studies presented at the Seattle meeting of the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research reported an increase in hipbone loss among postmenopausal women who were taking antidepressant drugs.

The women taking the antidepressants lost bone density at twice the rate of women not taking the drugs.

Researchers noted that the antidepressants Cymbalta and Effexor also affect serotonin and could have the same effect on bone development as Prozac.

SOURCE: Endocrinology, November 2004; Forbes, www.forbes.com, November 11, 2004;

Health Day News, November 11, 2004; Web MD Health, www.my.webmd.com, November 2004.