Fish use some of the same chemical messengers as humans including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Researchers have looked into whether antidepressants can effect the biological processes of fish as they do for humans.
What the Study Found
Antidepressants often work by affecting proteins called monoamine transporters which help regulate neurotransmitters. Researchers examined two versions of the serotonin transporter called SERTa and SERTb in two fish species.
SERTa was more sensitive to antidepressants than SERTb. The difference could help explain how low levels of these medications interact with biological systems that fish and humans share.
The findings did not show that antidepressants in drinking water caused harm. Researchers also didn’t establish a safe or unsafe level of exposure for humans.
What It Could Mean for Human Health
The study gives scientists another reason to look at how pharmaceutical waste affects the environment. Humans and fish share some biological pathways involved in nervous system function but that doesn’t mean the same effects will occur in both.
More research will be needed to get an idea how much antidepressant residue reaches waterways and whether the amounts found there affect human health. Scientists also need to look at the effectiveness of wastewater treatment removing these compounds.
The findings don’t mean people should stop taking antidepressants. These medications can help with management of depression and anxiety. A sudden stop can cause withdrawal symptoms or bring back the symptoms the medication was treating.
Anyone concerned about their medication should speak with their prescriber before changing their dose or stopping treatment.
Disposing of Unused Medication
How people get rid of unused medication can affect how much pharmaceutical waste enters the environment. Many pharmacies and communities offer drug take-back programs.
Antidepressants shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet or poured down a drain unless the medication instructions or a healthcare professional specifically recommend it.
What Patients Should Know
The research raises questions about pharmaceutical residues in water but it doesn’t show that people are getting sick from antidepressants in drinking water.
Scientists still need to study how these drugs move through waterways and whether environmental concentrations have any effect on human health. That work could eventually help guide wastewater treatment and medication disposal practices.
People considering treatment for depression can explore options such as medication and therapy through resources like Rehab.com. A healthcare professional can help determine which treatments are appropriate for their needs.
Finding Treatment For Depression
Help is available when you need it. Search Rehab.com’s directory to locate facilities that provide mental health services, or call
800-985-8516
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to get in contact with a treatment specialist.
