Sometimes the FDA actually recognizes the NEED for supplement use

Every now and then the FDA recognizes the need for supplements.

That’s right. The NEED.

Recently, the agency recommended magnesium and potassium supplements. But it’s a narrow recommendation. And the agency buried it in a warning about an antidepressant called Celexa.

Celexa isn’t a household name. But patients filled more than 30 million prescriptions last year. So plenty of people are taking it.

The FDA warning says higher Celexa doses “can cause dangerous abnormalities in the electrical activity of the heart.” These increase risk of irregular heart rhythms. And that can be fatal.

This problem is most risky in patients with potassium and magnesium deficiencies. And that’s where the FDA recommends supplements to increase levels before starting the drug.

But the FDA missed a key detail. Deficiency of either potassium or magnesium can cause — yep! — depression.

Good call, FDA! Depressed patients with these deficiencies absolutely should boost their levels. No question!

So like the FDA recommends, supplement before you start the drug. And then it’s probably best to skip that second step.

Sources:
“FDA: Celexa dosing and heart warning” UPI, 3/30/12, upi.com