Antidepressants: risk of fractures

Healthcare professionals should be aware of epidemiological data showing a small increased risk of fractures associated with the use of TCAs and SSRIs, and should take this risk into account in their discussions with patients and in prescribing decisions

From:
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
Published
11 December 2014
Therapeutic area:
Psychiatry

Article date: May 2010

A review of epidemiological studies, mainly in patients age 50 years or older, shows an increased risk of bone fractures in patients receiving SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants). The mechanism leading to this increased risk is unclear.

Nine reviewed observational studies [footnote 1] [footnote 2] [footnote 3] [footnote 4] [footnote 5] [footnote 6] [footnote 7] [footnote 8] [footnote 9] give a range of odds ratios for fractures associated with current use of SSRIs (irrespective of dose or duration of use) between 1·4 (95% CI 0·93–2·24) and 2·4 (2·0–2·7). These risks were significant in most studies. The odds ratios for studies that included TCAs varied between 1·2 (0·7–2·2) and 2·2 (1·8–2·8), and in all but one study were lower than the estimates for SSRIs.

Six of the nine studies assessed dose response and observed a trend more consistently for SSRIs compared with TCAs. Six of the nine studies assessed duration of use and found that the risk of fracture associated with SSRIs seems to increase initially to a peak within the first 6–12 months; risk subsequently decreases, but remains elevated with prolonged use (>1·5 years). Risk with TCAs peaks shortly after initiation (1–2 months) and disappears after prolonged use (>6–12 months). The persistence of the effect after cessation of use was assessed in four of the nine studies. The increased risk observed for SSRIs and TCAs disappears relatively shortly after discontinuation (3–12 months). None of the studies investigated the effects of dose and duration simultaneously.

Risk of falls

The relationship between SSRIs and fall risk is not clear.[footnote 10]Several studies show that SSRI use is associated with an increased fall risk, and that this risk is higher than for other types of antidepressants, including mainly TCAs. [footnote 11] [footnote 12] [footnote 13] [footnote 14] However, other studies show that SSRIs confer equivalent or lower fall risk to TCAs. [footnote 15] An Italian study of patients receiving home care showed no increased risk of falls with any antidepressant. [footnote 16]

SSRIs and decreased bone mineral density

Some studies[footnote 17] [footnote 18] [footnote 19] [footnote 20] have found an association between antidepressant use and decreased bone mineral density; however, other studies have found no such association. [footnote 21] [footnote 22]

Conclusions of the review

Taking into account the strengths and limitations of the available evidence, the review concluded that product information should be updated with a statement on epidemiological findings of an increased risk of bone fractures with TCAs and SSRIs.

From the available data, no definite conclusions could be drawn regarding a dose-response relation, time relation, or the underlying mechanism.

Advice for healthcare professionals

A review of epidemiological studies, mainly in patients age 50 years or older, shows an increased risk of bone fractures in patients receiving SSRIs and TCAs. The mechanism leading to this increased risk is unclear.

Healthcare professionals should be aware of a small increased risk of fractures associated with the use of TCAs and SSRIs, and should take this risk into account in their discussions with patients and in prescribing decisions.

For further information see the monthly report from the EU Pharmacovigilance Working Party

Article citation: Drug Safety Update May 2010, vol 3 issue10: 3.

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Published 11 December 2014
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