Use of anti-depressants and the risk of fracture of the hip or femur

Current use of both selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic anti-depressants (TCAs) increase hip/femur fracture risk; the elevated fracture risk should be considered when prescribing anti-depressants.

Methods:
Aim was to examine the association between the use of antidepressants and the risk of hip/femur fractures
Empahsis was on the relation with the degree of 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (5-HTT) inhibition and the duration of use
Adult pts (n=6,763) with a first hip/femur fracture during the study period
For each case, 4 controls (n=26,341) were matched by age, gender and geographic region

Results:
Risk of hip/femur fracture increased with current use of SSRIs and TCAs
The risk of hip/femur fracture declined rapidly after discontinuation of use
The risk of hip/femur fracture increased as the degree of 5-HTT inhibition of all anti-depressants increased