New Research Shows That Antidepressants are Harder on Seniors
New studies are now telling
that SSRI antidepressants such as Paxil and Effexor may not be the best option
for seniors. The drugs seem to have more negative side effects for seniors.
Drugs like Paxil and Effexor are in a class of medications commonly known as
"selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)," that have been linked to
many adverse side effects. The new British study appeared in the August 2, 2011
issue of the British Medical Journal stating that older antidepressants,
tricyclic antidepressants, might be safer for patients over 65-years-old.
According to the study's author Carol Coupland, associate professor of medical statistics at the University of Nottingham states, "The choice of class of antidepressant is a complex decision, and some evidence is still lacking to help with that choice in older patients," she continued, "Low-dose [tricyclic antidepressants] may be more suitable in frail elderly patients at increased risk of falls and fracture."
During the study, prescription information was evaluated for over 60,000 patents between 65 and 100-years-old who had been diagnosed with depression. Of those patients, 90 percent were given one or more prescriptions. Of that 90 percent, 55 percent were given SSRI antidepressants like Effexor or Paxil. The other 32 percent were prescribed tricyclic antidepressants. The rest of the patients were prescribed other antidepressants. The results of the study show that seniors on SSRIs had a "higher risk of dying, having a stroke, falling, breaking a bone and seizures compared with those not taking any antidepressant."
The results have proven to be scary for many seniors being prescribed SSRIs to combat their depression. While the side effects are scary, one important factor should be taken to heart: Tricyclics are better for senior citizens than SSRIs. Still the results from this and previous studies prove that those taking antidepressants and those on a placebo pill have the same efficiency. As an experienced Missouri product liability attorney, I regularly see the pain and confusion that product liability victims go through. I am happy that a support group has been set up to help these families find comfort and prepare for what is to come. Lawsuits for the product liability of drugs like Paxil have increased dramatically.
Our experienced product liability attorneys in the Midwest believe that companies like the makers of Paxil should be held responsible for the harm that their drugs cause. We believe people who have suffered illness and injury from medication should be compensated for their loss. If a manufacturer has misrepresented you or a loved one has been injured by a medication that was not properly manufactured or the side effects, please call 888.956.2487 to speak to one of our experienced product liability attorneys today.
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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.
