Taking Antidepressants May Increase Stroke Risk

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to taking antidepressants. The good news is these medications can improve mood and energy levels in those who are depressed. The bad news is there are significant risks associated with taking them – some of which are serious. Now, a new study shows that one of the dangers of taking antidepressants is an increased risk of stroke and a higher overall death rate.

Risks of Antidepressants: An Increased Risk of Stroke?

In a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers followed a large group of postmenopausal women with an average age of sixty – some of whom were taking an antidepressant and some who weren’t. At the end of a six year period, they found that women who taking an antidepressant were forty-five percent more likely to develop a stroke than those who weren’t taking these medications. Even more disturbing is the fact that they were thirty-two percent more likely to die prematurely. The only good news is taking antidepressants didn’t seem to raise the risk of developing heart disease. The increased risk of stroke and premature death was seen with both of the two most commonly prescribed classes of antidepressants – serotonin uptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.

The Risks of Antidepressants: Is It Really the Medications?

These findings are disturbing for postmenopausal women who take antidepressants, but researchers aren’t convinced that the effect is entirely due to the medications since women who are depressed may be more likely to have a stroke or die prematurely. It may not be the antidepressants but the depressed mental state that increases the risk of death.

Are There Alternatives to Taking an Antidepressant?

The increased risk of stroke and premature death from taking antidepressants wasn’t dramatic and there may be situations where a woman needs antidepressant therapy, but this study points out the need to consider all of the alternatives before taking an antidepressant. There are cases where counseling or cognitive behavior therapy may work just as well.

There are also natural treatments that work for some people with mild depression. Eating less processed foods, getting regular aerobic exercise, and taking in more vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids all may help. With depression, it’s also important to check a B12 level since B12 deficiencies are common and can contribute to depressive symptoms. St. John’s wort is an herbal treatment that’s been shown to be effective for treating depression.

The Risks of Antidepressants: The Bottom Line?

Discuss these alternative treatments for depression with your doctor and see if they might be appropriate in lieu of antidepressants. Your doctor can help you determine the best option for you.

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