Surreal illustration representing the balance between mental and bone health while taking SSRIs.

SSRIs and Bone Health: Are Your Antidepressants Putting You at Risk?

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A closer look at the link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and decreased bone density, and what you can do to protect yourself."

As the population ages, the prevalence of age-related diseases is on the rise, with osteoporosis posing a significant threat to bone health. Characterized by decreased bone density and structural abnormalities, osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures, particularly in the spine and other weight-bearing bones. It's crucial to understand the factors that contribute to this condition to implement effective prevention strategies.

Osteoporosis has numerous risk factors, including the use of certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These antidepressants, commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, have been linked to reduced bone density and an increased risk of falls and fractures. While SSRIs can improve mental well-being, it's essential to be aware of their potential impact on bone health.

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone Metabolism investigated the necessity of bone densitometry for patients taking SSRIs long-term. By examining data from five veterans hospitals in Korea, researchers aimed to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis and the awareness of this risk among patients on SSRIs. This article delves into the findings of this study and offers guidance on protecting your bone health while managing your mental health.

The SSRI-Osteoporosis Connection: Unpacking the Science

Surreal illustration representing the balance between mental and bone health while taking SSRIs.

SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood. However, serotonin also plays a role in bone metabolism. Research suggests that SSRIs can affect bone density through several mechanisms:

Studies have shown that serotonin can interact with specific receptors in bone cells, affecting their activity. This interaction may suppress the proliferation of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for building new bone. As a result, long-term SSRI use may lead to a gradual decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Decreased Bone Formation: Serotonin may inhibit osteoblast activity, reducing the rate at which new bone is formed.
Increased Bone Resorption: Some research suggests that SSRIs could potentially increase the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone tissue.
Increased Risk of Falls: SSRIs can cause side effects such as dizziness and lightheadedness, which can increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.

It's important to note that not everyone who takes SSRIs will develop osteoporosis. Individual risk varies depending on factors such as age, gender, genetics, lifestyle, and other medical conditions. However, the potential impact of SSRIs on bone health warrants attention and proactive management.

Protecting Your Bone Health While Taking SSRIs

If you're taking SSRIs, there are several steps you can take to protect your bone health: Talk to your doctor: Discuss your concerns about bone health and whether bone densitometry is right for you. Regular monitoring can help detect early signs of bone loss and allow for timely intervention. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, engage in regular weight-bearing exercise, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These habits can help strengthen your bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Consider other medications: Your doctor may recommend medications to help improve bone density, such as bisphosphonates or other osteoporosis treatments. Be mindful of fall risks: Take precautions to prevent falls, such as wearing appropriate footwear, using assistive devices if needed, and ensuring your home environment is safe and free of hazards. The link between SSRIs and bone health is complex and requires individual assessment. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can protect your bones while managing your mental health.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.11005/jbm.2013.20.2.95, Alternate LINK

Title: The Necessity Of Bone Densitometry For Patients Taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Subject: Endocrinology

Journal: Journal of Bone Metabolism

Publisher: Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research

Authors: Ki-Yong An, Woo-Jin Shin, Kyu-Jung Lee

Published: 2013-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and why are they prescribed?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood. While effective for mental health, it is crucial to understand their potential impact on bone health due to their link to reduced bone density and an increased risk of falls and fractures.

How do SSRIs potentially affect bone health?

SSRIs can impact bone health through multiple mechanisms. Studies suggest that serotonin can interact with specific receptors in bone cells, potentially suppressing the activity of osteoblasts, which are responsible for building new bone. Furthermore, some research indicates that SSRIs might increase the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone tissue. Also, SSRIs can cause side effects like dizziness and lightheadedness, which elevates the risk of falls, especially in older adults.

What is the role of bone densitometry for individuals taking SSRIs?

Bone densitometry is a crucial tool for individuals taking SSRIs, as it helps monitor bone density. Regular monitoring can detect early signs of bone loss and allow for timely interventions. The study published in the *Journal of Bone Metabolism* investigated the necessity of bone densitometry for patients on long-term SSRI treatment. Discussing your concerns with your doctor is crucial to determine whether bone densitometry is right for you.

Besides medication, what lifestyle changes can protect bone health while taking SSRIs?

Several lifestyle changes can help protect bone health while taking SSRIs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential, which includes consuming a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Regular weight-bearing exercise is also important. Additionally, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can further reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Being mindful of fall risks, such as wearing appropriate footwear and using assistive devices if needed, is also crucial.

Can you elaborate on the connection between SSRIs, serotonin, and bone metabolism, providing more insight?

The connection between SSRIs, serotonin, and bone metabolism involves several key factors. SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain, which indirectly affects bone health. Serotonin interacts with receptors in bone cells, influencing the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This interaction can potentially suppress osteoblast activity, reducing new bone formation, and possibly increasing osteoclast activity, leading to bone breakdown. It is a complex interplay, and individual responses vary based on age, gender, genetics, lifestyle, and other medical conditions. The impact of SSRIs on bone health is a critical consideration for those managing mental health.