Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 8: A new study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that commonly prescribed medications for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders may be associated with an increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — a rare, progressive, and fatal neurological disease.
Researchers found that individuals using anxiolytics, hypnotics, sedatives, and antidepressants were more likely to be diagnosed with ALS later in life. Additionally, those who used these medications before being diagnosed reportedly had a poorer prognosis, with faster disease progression and reduced survival.
However, medical experts caution that the findings highlight an association, not a causal link.
“These medications are often prescribed for early symptoms like anxiety, depression, or sleep issues, which may actually be part of the prodromal phase of ALS — long before a formal diagnosis,” said Dr M S Panduranga, senior neurologist at Dharamshila Narayana Super-specialty Hospital.
The study, conducted in Sweden, analysed data from over 1,000 ALS patients and more than 5,000 healthy controls from the Swedish Motor Neuron Disease Quality Registry. The average participant age was 67.5 years, and 53.1% were male.
Dr Manjari Tripathi, head of neurology at AIIMS, explained that long-term use of these neuropsychiatric drugs — which act on the brain’s inhibitory pathways — could potentially affect motor neuron activity. She warned that consistent use may carry a toxic effect, though more research is needed.
Motor neuron disease, including ALS, causes progressive muscle weakness, impacting basic functions like walking, speaking, swallowing, and ultimately leading to severe disability.
Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj of Aakash Healthcare pointed to studies showing a stronger ALS association in those using such medications for over a decade, particularly among younger patients. Still, he said, it remains unclear whether this reflects a biological mechanism or earlier diagnosis due to regular medical follow-up.
Dr Anshu Rohatgi, vice-chairperson of neurology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, stressed the need for caution when prescribing such drugs to patients with potential neurological symptoms but reiterated: “There’s no definitive proof these medications cause ALS.”
Doctors strongly advise not to stop medications abruptly. Patients concerned about their prescriptions should consult their healthcare providers for personalised guidance.