UTI

[Phuzella]

Can being on anti depressants cause urine infections? Someone I know(male) keeps getting them and I'm just wondering if there could be a connection. Thanks :)

[panic_down_under]

Can being on anti depressants cause urine infections?

Cause them, no, as they are bacterial infections. However, some antidepressants, principally the TCAs, can reduce urine output which might allow the bacteria to more easily gain a foothold as there is less flow to flush away any stray bacteria, though this is usually less likely in males as we have longer urethras.

Another possibility might be that some antidepressants can trigger very strong carbohydrate cravings, Remeron (mirtazapine) is particularly notorious for this, which may change the composition of the urine making it a better bacteria host. People with diabetes tend to have the same issue so having a blood glucose test might be wise move.

[Phuzella]

Thank you for that. Very informative :)