Risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in relation to use of antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and other centrally acting medications

Abstract

Objective: An increased risk of ovarian cancer among users of antidepressants and benzodiazepines has been observed in some but not all prior studies. We examined these associations in a population-based case–control study. Methods: We identified 314 members of a health maintenance organization (HMO) who were diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer between 1981 and 1997, were aged 35–79 years at diagnosis, and had at least 4 years of HMO membership. Up to four controls were selected for each case (n = 790), matched on age, calendar year, and length of HMO membership. Information concerning past medication use was obtained from the computerized pharmacy database, established in 1977. Results: Cases were slightly less likely than controls to have filled two antidepressant prescriptions (primarily for doxepin, amitriptyline, or imipramine) in any 6-month period prior to a reference date set 1.5 years before diagnosis (conditional odds ratio (OR) 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47–1.1), or to have used an antidepressant continuously for 6 months or longer (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.36–1.1). Cases were less likely than controls to have filled two benzodiazepine prescriptions in 6 months (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.47–1.0) or to have used benzodiazepines continuously for 6 months or longer (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.15- 1.9). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that there is not an increased risk of ovarian cancer in women who have taken some types of antidepressants or benzodiazepines.