Chronic use of a strong anti-acid, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), could make patients depressed, according to a recent study. These antacids, from the omeprazole class, are the main treatment for stomach acidity. Some people swallow them like candy.
Could the depression of a patient with heartburn be due to his treatment? The study, recently published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, involves proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
These strong anti-acid drugs are usually prescribed to treat and prevent stomach acid and its consequences. They work by reducing the natural production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Researchers say patients taking PPIs are more likely to develop major depressive disorder.
Importance of dose
To make sure that the link between PPIs and depression existed, the researchers analyzed prospective data from 2,366 people. They received PPI treatment and subsequently developed depression. The researchers compared them to more than 9,000 patients taking the same drugs but not having this depressive side effect.
The result is convincing: the difference between these two groups is the daily dose of PPI. People with depression took more.
TruhealthOnline
A new study now published in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics has found a link between common classes of stomach drugs calledRead more ???? https://t.co/oaNvHhyoBz
– Truhealth (@truhealthonline) March 9, 2018
Depression comes from bacteria in the gut
How can stomach drugs have such an impact on the mental health of patients? The researchers put forward some explanations. By lowering the acidity of the stomach, which is a natural barrier against foodborne infections, PPIs disrupt the balance of the bacterial flora in the intestine, known as the intestinal microbiota.
This modification of the intestinal microbiota can cause two phenomena: the disruption of communications between the intestine and the brain and / or the fact that the body no longer properly absorbs nutrients.
The links between the gut and the brain
Many studies point to the importance of intestinal bacteria in mental well-being. These secrete a large number of molecules which pass into the bloodstream and can go to all organs including the brain. Thus, a disturbance of the intestinal flora due to PPIs could be the cause of depression.
If doctors prescribe PPIs, especially in large doses, they should be aware of the side effects they have on their patients. Likewise, patients with esophagitis or gastroesophageal reflux disease should be aware that high doses of PPI are unlikely to be innocent. Treatment on demand should therefore not mean high doses and every day.
Adverse effects of PPIs, which get longer over the studies: pneumonia, bone fractures, gastrointestinal infections, allergies… And now depression. In France, one in five people have suffered or will suffer from this mental illness.
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