A new review of 26 existing studies, including more than 1,600 people, found that taking common painkillers may help curb depression. The study was conducted by the University of Science and Technology researchers in Wuhan, China. Overall, the anti-inflammatory agents, such as statins and omega-3 fish oils, were 52% more effective than the placebo at reducing overall symptoms of depression.
The researchers suggest that taking such medications could curb significant symptoms of depression, like low mood, especially if taken with antidepressants. The research has been published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry.
The types of anti-inflammatories analyzed include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen; cytokine inhibitors; omega-3 fatty acids often found in fish oils; statins; antibiotics; steroids; modafinil (a drug used to treat sleep disorders); and N-acetyl cysteine (a drug used to loosen excess phlegm in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and cystic fibrosis).
The results suggested that these medicines and agents were 79% more effective in eliminating depression than the placebo and 52% more effective at reducing overall symptoms. Of the lot, the most effective drugs were NSAIDs, statins, omega-3 fatty acids, and minocycline antibiotics. The effects were enhanced when taken in addition to antidepressants.
The experts concluded:
The results of this systematic review suggest that anti-inflammatory agents play an antidepressant role in patients with major depressive disorder and are reasonably safe.
University of Cambridge’s head of the psychiatry department, Prof Ed Bullmore, welcomed the study but said:
This should encourage further consideration of ways in which we could use a range of anti-inflammatory interventions to help people with depression, perhaps especially people who are already taking a conventional antidepressant drug with limited benefit. However, as the authors conclude, further trials will be needed to support licensing and medical prescription of these and other anti-inflammatory agents for depression.
Conclusion
The body of evidence that anti-inflammatory drugs might help with feeling down is growing. The main reason for this connection is that people with depression have elevated levels of chemicals in their blood linked to inflammation. Inflammation is believed to affect the way emotions are regulated in the brain.
It is triggered by environmental factors like alcohol, pollution, smoking, stress, and certain foods. It’s the body’s natural response to stress, but if it goes on over time, it can lead to an imbalance and, ultimately, feelings of hopelessness.
The review states that taking anti-inflammatory drugs caused no significant side effects in the people, aside from some gut problems. However, Professor David Curtis, honorary professor at University College London, who was also not involved in the research, said:
It is quite misleading to describe the use of anti-inflammatory agents as safe. The most effective anti-inflammatory agents used were NSAIDs and, although problems are rare, every year thousands of people die from the side-effects of these medications, which are usually taken for chronic pain and are especially risky if taken for long periods of time.
In the end, it is advisable to consult with a doctor if taking anti-inflammatory medication is a good idea for you.
