Common Medications May Impact Gut Microbiome for Years
by Korin Miller, Prevention:
“Researchers found that most medications were linked with noticeable changes in the gut microbiome, and that they stuck around long after people stopped taking the drugs. The researchers also looked at follow-up samples from a smaller group and found that starting or stopping certain medications led to predictable shifts in people’s gut microbiomes. But, doctors warn against stopping a medication (even if it’s on this list); always consult your physician before making any change.
Given that your gut microbiome is influenced by several things, including your diet, it’s fair to wonder why these changes matter—and which drugs are linked to this. Here’s what doctors want you to know.
Which medications impacted the gut microbiome?
A lot of medications have the potential to impact the gut microbiome, based on the findings. However, these are some of the more common drugs that the researchers flagged:
Antibiotics
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Beta-blockers
Proton pump inhibitors
Benzodiazepines
The researchers also discovered that benzodiazepines (which are often used for anxiety) created microbiome changes that were similar to those seen with antibiotics.”
