What is a common long-term side effect of using SSRIs in older adults?

The risk of falls is a well-documented long-term side effect associated with the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in older adults. This population is more vulnerable to various side effects due to age-related changes in physiology, polypharmacy, and the presence of comorbid conditions.

SSRIs can affect balance and coordination, which can contribute to an increased likelihood of falls. Factors such as sedation, dizziness, or orthostatic hypotension—which can occur with some SSRIs—can impair mobility and make older adults more prone to accidents. Consequently, as fall-related injuries can have serious consequences for older individuals, this side effect necessitates careful monitoring and assessment by healthcare providers.

In contrast, while enhanced cognitive function, increased appetite, and reduced sleep quality may occur in certain contexts or populations, they are not commonly recognized as primary long-term side effects of SSRIs in older adults specifically. Enhanced cognitive function is often sought as a treatment outcome rather than a side effect, and SSRIs may not have a clear relationship with appetite changes. Reduced sleep quality can vary widely among individuals but does not have the same conclusive link to SSRIs as the risk of falls does in older adults.