LONDON – Widespread antidepressant drugs may impair men’s fertility by destructing the DNA in their sperm, according to research, reported in New Scientist magazine.

A study conducted on thirty-five healthy men given paroxetine (Paxil or Seroxat) by GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) found that, the percentage of sperm cells with fragmented DNA rose from 13.8 % to 30.3 % after just four weeks treatment.

The researcher, Peter Schlegel and Cigdem Tanrikut of the Cornell Medical Center in New York concluded, “The fertility potential of a substantial proportion of men on paroxetine may be adversely affected by these changes in sperm DNA integrity.”

The study seconds the same doctor’s findings, in 2006, that is two men had developed low healthy sperm count, with the treatment of two different selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

SSRIs like Paxil and Fluoxetine (Prozac), now available globally, are the most frquently prescribed group of antidepressants.

“These medicines remain an important option, in addition to counseling and lifestyle changes, for treatment of depression and this study should not be used to cause unnecessary concern for patients,” a spokesman said. Glaxo is reviewing the study findings, since company hasn’t conducted it.

“Patients should discuss their situation with their doctor before stopping use of their medicine.”

SSRIs have already been known as libido depressor in some men and past researches have also shown that, women using such drugs are more likely to have a low birth weight baby.

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