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Cardiovascular side effects of non-SSRI antidepressants are of concern in high-risk patients

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Abstract

Depression is a major risk factor for negative health outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and in high-risk populations such as the elderly. As selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have very few CVD risks, they are first line in the management of depression. However, alternatives are required in case of intolerance or lack of efficacy. Non-SSRI antidepressants such as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and atypical monoaminergic antidepressants are options, but carry cardiovascular adverse effects (e.g. changes in blood pressure, heart rate or electrocardiogram parameters). While some studies are available to clarify these effects, further investigation is required in high-risk populations.

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    Connie Kang

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C. Kang is a salaried employee of Adis International Ltd/Springer Nature and declares no relevant conflicts of interest. All authors contributed to the review and are responsible for the article content.

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Kang, C. Cardiovascular side effects of non-SSRI antidepressants are of concern in high-risk patients. Drugs Ther Perspect 38, 329–333 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-022-00927-5

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