It’s easy to pop a pill for anxiety, low moods or sleep troubles. From antidepressants to sedatives, many rely on them to feel better and manage their mental health.

But now, a study suggests these very medicines could have unexpected links with a rare, serious nerve disease called ALS.

A Swedish study found a possible link between long-term use of common psychiatric medicines, like antidepressants, anxiety drugs and sleeping pills, and a higher risk of developing ALS. 

ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It’s a rare, serious disease that affects the nerves controlling muscles.

Says Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman Neuroscience, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, “Over time, these nerves stop working properly, causing the muscles to weaken and waste away. 

This can lead to difficulty walking, speaking, swallowing and even breathing.”

ALS gets worse as time passes, and there’s currently no cure. “Most people with ALS live for only 2 to 5 years after diagnosis,” warns Dr Gupta. 

Stephen Hawking, a world-famous British theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, along with baseball legend Lou Gehrig, Roberta Flack, Dennis Day, and others, are among the well-known figures who have been diagnosed with ALS.

Source: Moneycontrol