Some OTC Anti-Inflammatories Could Lower Effects of Antidepressant Medication Like Paxil
In recent studies on mice,
Rockefeller University scientists have discovered that patients who take
anti-inflammatory medications minimize the effective compounds in various
antidepressant medications, which include Paxil. Paul Greengard and Jennifer
Warner-Schmidt found that ibuprofen, naproxen, and other over-the-counter medication
lower the benefits of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The findings were
published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal. These
experts believe that the study is most important for Alzheimer's patients. The
reason Alzheimer's patients are believed to be at risk is that they suffer from
depression and treatment for the disorder alievates the severity that
Alzheimer's progresses. However, not just Alzheimer's patients are at risk.
Many elderly individuals are treated for depression to reduce the chances of
getting Alzheimer's.
In the course of the study, the researchers gave mice popular antidepressants while also giving them anti-inflammatory drugs to see how the animals would react. The mice given anti-depressants illustrated behaviors that were inhibited by taking anti-inflammatories. After this phase in the research had been completed, the scientists ran the same test on human patients. The people who took anti-depressants and anti-inflammatory medications were not getting relief from their symptoms as patients who didn't take the anti-inflammatories.
The scientist, Warner-Schmidt, summed up the research stating, "The mechanism underlying these effects is not yet clear. Nevertheless, our results may have profound implications for patients, given the very high treatment resistance rates for depressed individuals taking SSRIs."
"Many elderly individuals suffering from depression also have arthritic or related diseases and as a consequence are taking both antidepressant and anti-inflammatory medications," Greengard added to his colleague statement. "Our results suggest that physicians should carefully balance the advantages and disadvantages of continuing anti-inflammatory therapy in patients being treated with antidepressant medications."
Even though a healthy life change can help relieve depression, there are many who will still need to depend on their antidepressant medication. Injuries from a prescription drug can be complicated, which is why victims should work with an experienced Missouri product liability attorney. To speak to an attorney right away, call 888.956.2487 and let us help you fight.
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Joshua P. Myers is the owner and President of Myers Injury Law, LLC and a founding partner of Schultz & Myers, LLC. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, his personal injury law firm routinely handles product liability cases that result in personal injury or death throughout the United States. If you have been hurt or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a drug company, please contact a product liability attorney to learn your rights. It is always free to discuss your case and there are never any attorney's fees until we recover on your behalf.
