Pharmacological therapies, including beta-blockers and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, show promise in managing vasovagal syncope, although a definitive treatment does not yet exist.
This review summarizes the pathophysiology of vasovagal syncope and highlights the potential role of beta-blockers and serotonergic agents in its management.
Vasovagal syncope is a common disorder that can compromise quality of life and lead to significant morbidity. It is characterized by an initial exaggerated sympathetic output followed by parasympathetic activation and sympathetic withdrawal, as shown by diagnostic head-up tilt (HUT) table testing. Numerous drugs have been evaluated for treating this disorder. beta-Blockers are well studied and commonly administered but are specifically more efficacious in patients with isoproterenol HUT than in those with regular HUT. The role of the serotonergic system has captured new interest. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors show promising results in preventing vasovagal syncope in treatment-refractory patients. Also, new investigations suggest that serotonin receptor antagonism may be beneficial. Despite these findings, definitive treatment does not exist.
White et al. (Tue,) conducted a review in Vasovagal syncope. Pharmacotherapy (beta-blockers, SSRIs, serotonin receptor antagonists) was evaluated. Pharmacological therapies, including beta-blockers and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, show promise in managing vasovagal syncope, although a definitive treatment does not yet exist.
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