A recent study reveals that new anti-depression medicines like Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac and Zoloft, poses threat to the lives of the people. The newer antidepressants were much more harmful than the older Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

The researcher of the study, Carol Coupland, PhD, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, observed medical records of 60,000 people, who were 65 years and above, found to be suffering with depression. Nearly 90% of the patients were prescribed antidepressant, out of which 55% consumed SSRIs and 32% consumed TACs.

The results found that those 55% patients were at a higher risk of stroke, falls, fracture and seizures and even death, in comparison to the other 32%. The observers believed that people having TACs were at a lower risk because of being prescribed with small doses of the medicine, whereas, the doctors who prescribed SSRIs, recommended a higher dose. Moreover, people of this age group were habitual of taking various other medicines, and there could be a possibility that the dose of SSRIs must be getting interfered with other medications.

As per Dr. Coupland, "The benefits of the different classes of antidepressant drugs also need to be considered alongside the adverse effects”. She further stated that the study needs to be compared with the other studies, so that the use of TACs over SSRIs can be popularized and recommended.