yes, antidepressants, specifically SSRIs can cause osteoporosis. Maybe others too but those are the most prescribed and most studied. I was on them for a couple of years many years ago and weaned off. Years later when I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, I did a deep dive into potential causes and was shocked to find that SSRIs were one possible link. Over the years, I have brought this up with numerous endocrinologists, gynecologists, internists and not one of them knew of this. Even a gynecologist specializing in menopause did not know of this connection. When I mentioned the correlation, each one of them told me, "no they're not" and I then asked them to look it up. A two second search told them this was in fact correct. I was shocked that not one doctor who prescribes this antidepressants knew of this risk factor and they were completely shocked to learn of it. Unbelievable.

A few years ago, I experienced a very challenging time in my life and of course, my doctor recommended an antidepressant. I asked them to check with the University's pharmacology staff to see if there were any options that did not have that correlation. They provided me with statistical evidence on the different types of antidepressants. It turns out that tricyclic (tetracyclic) antidepressants had only a very small risk of bone loss. They are older forms of antidepressants and not often prescribed because SSRIs and SNRIs have pretty much taken over the market. I felt comfortable taking Mirtazapine for a short while. It makes you sleepy (which I thoroughly enjoyed, being the insomniac that I am) so you take it at night. One issue with Mirtazapine is that your body may get used to it and need a higher dose at some point. But for short bouts of dealing with situational depression, I found it effective and was completely comfortable in the very, very low risk of potential bone loss. There may be other issues/risks with this drug, as with all, so would need to discuss with your doc if interested in it as an alternative.

@sunnyflower, if you are looking for a low-dose melatonin, you might try Herbatonin which is at .3 mg. Melatonin is sometimes more effective at low doses. We use it much higher doses in the US compared to other countries.

@llynch17056, if you want to try magnesium for sleep (or relaxation or easing muscle tension), you might try magnesiuml l'threonate or glycinate which do not have the bowel effects that citrate does (but if you want the bowel loosening effects in addition, citrate is the way to go)