Antidepressants Found Safe for Patients After Traumatic Brain Injury

Study shows no increased risk of death, brain surgery, or longer hospital stays for TBI patients taking certain antidepressants.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new study published in the medical journal Neurology has found that taking certain antidepressants at the time of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not associated with an increased risk of death, brain surgery, or longer hospital stays. The study looked at serotonergic antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and included data from over 54,000 TBI patients in Finland.

Why it matters

This study provides reassurance for people who take antidepressants that their medication use does not appear to worsen early recovery after a traumatic brain injury. Concerns have previously been raised that serotonergic antidepressants might increase the risk of bleeding in the brain or complicate early recovery, but this research found no evidence to support those concerns.

The details

Researchers reviewed national prescription records and medical records for 54,876 people in Finland who were hospitalized with a TBI. They found that 14% of the patients were using serotonergic antidepressants at the time of their injury. After adjusting for factors like age, sex, and other health conditions, the study found no difference in mortality rates, need for emergency brain surgery, or length of hospital stay between those taking antidepressants and those who were not.

  • The study was published on January 28, 2026.

The players

Jussi P. Posti

The study author, a doctor at the University of Turku in Finland.

American Academy of Neurology

The leading voice in brain health, representing over 40,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Concerns have previously been raised that serotonergic antidepressants might increase the risk of bleeding in the brain or complicate early recovery after traumatic brain injury. However, our study found no evidence to support those concerns.”

— Jussi P. Posti, Study Author (Neurology)

“These findings provide reassurance for people who take antidepressants that antidepressant use does not appear to worsen early recovery after traumatic brain injury.”

— Jussi P. Posti, Study Author (Neurology)

What’s next

Future studies should examine whether these results hold true for long-term recovery and across different health care settings.

The takeaway

This study offers important reassurance that taking certain antidepressants does not appear to negatively impact early recovery for TBI patients, contrary to previous concerns. This information can help guide treatment decisions and provide peace of mind for those managing brain injuries.