Depression Drugs May Harm Sperm
Posted on: Friday, 26 September 2008, 09:25 CDT
Taking drugs to fight off depression, could end with increased level of sperm with damaged DNA.The study was published in New Scientist magazine. The results do not mean these men would have serious problems becoming a father, but a UK fertility specialist said they were a "cause for concern".
Paroxetine, sold as Seroxat or Paxil, is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the UK.
This is the second study by a team of researchers at Cornell Medical Center in New York which highlights a possible effect on sperm quality.
They studied 35 healthy volunteers who provided sperm samples before and during paroxetine treatment.
Researchers did not find much difference between the "before" and "after" samples under a microscope-- with the shape and movement of sperm apparently normal in both samples.
However, tests on "DNA fragmentation" produced a different result .
Researchers found sperm with DNA problems can be found in every sample, and 13.8% of sperm cells in those produced before treatment were found to be fragmented. At the four week mark, that number had risen to 30.3%.
Dr. Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in Andrology at the University of Sheffield, said there had been "sporadic reports" that antidepressants could affect semen quality, but more research is needed to help scientists evaluate the risk.
"The apparent increase in sperm DNA damage is alarming, although the level at which we think the damage becomes clinically significant is controversial to many scientists.
"It is a shame that the authors appear not to have conducted a randomized controlled trial which would be the most scientific way to investigate the drugs effects, but I agree that the results are of concern and need to be investigated further."
The drug's maker, GlaxoSmithKline said it intended to review the study's findings.
Marjorie Wallace, from the mental health charity Sane, said that patients should wait for larger studies, “While these results may be worrying for people taking antidepressants who hope to conceive, it is important to note that this is a preliminary study with a small sample group.”
"Antidepressants can be a lifeline for many people, and the risk of relapse must be borne in mind in balancing the risks and benefits of these drugs."
Dr. Andrew McCulloch, of the Mental Health Foundation, said, "Most medications carry some level of risk, and antidepressants are no different.
"They are powerful drugs, so in a sense it is no surprise that research is discovering more about their impact on the body.
"More investment is needed in other mental health treatments such as talking therapies and exercise therapy.
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Cornell Medical Center
Source: redOrbit Staff & Wre Reports
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Posted by Brian on 09/27/2008, 08:48 The reason for the decreased fertility is due to the rise in prolactin with serotonin antidepressants. Increased prolactin inhibits both sperm and testosterone production. Progestin hormones also increase prolactin and are currently being researched for use as a male birth control pill. Progestins and serotonin have similar actions on fertility. http://www.mens-hormonal-health.com/best-antidepressant.html |
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