Impact of Adolescent Antidepressant Use on Adult Pain Sensitivity

A new study reveals that antidepressant use during adolescence, especially Prozac, may increase pain sensitivity in adulthood, highlighting the need for further research into long-term effects of psychiatric medications.

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Recent research from The University of Texas at El Paso highlights a potential long-term consequence of prescribing antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine) to teenagers. The study indicates that adolescent use of these medications may lead to heightened pain sensitivity in adulthood, a finding that prompts further examination of the enduring effects of psychiatric drugs on brain development.

Led by Dr. Sergio Iñiguez, the research involved experiments on female mice, which serve as a valuable model due to their genetic similarity to humans. The study found that mice administered Prozac during their adolescence exhibited increased pain responses when tested as adults. Specifically, when placed on a hot plate designed to induce mild discomfort, these mice reacted more rapidly by licking their paws—a behavior indicating higher pain sensitivity—compared to control mice that had not received the drug. Additionally, Prozac-treated mice showed a lower body weight, suggesting systemic effects of adolescent medication exposure.

The scientists propose that Prozac might interfere with the maturation of the medial prefrontal cortex, a key brain region involved in pain regulation. The drug may also promote inflammatory processes within the brain, enhancing nociception, which is the biological mechanism underlying pain perception.

This study contributes to a growing body of evidence that antidepressants, while effective for managing mood disorders, may have lasting impacts beyond their intended use. Dr. Iñiguez emphasizes that the rates of antidepressant prescriptions have risen significantly, particularly among young females, a trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite their benefits, the long-term effects on brain development remain insufficiently understood.

The research team aims to explore the biological mechanisms behind the observed increase in pain sensitivity, which could inform safer treatment strategies in adolescents. As Dr. Iñiguez remarks, understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing mental health treatments while minimizing adverse outcomes.

While these findings warrant caution, experts agree that antidepressants are vital tools for treating depression and anxiety. Continued research will help improve drug safety protocols and tailor therapies to mitigate potential long-term risks.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-antidepressant-teens-contributes-pain-sensitivity.html]