Antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs carry direct and indirect cardiovascular risks, including QTc prolongation with newer antidepressants and metabolic disturbances with atypical antipsychotics.
What are the direct and indirect cardiovascular side effects of commonly used antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs in patients with severe mental disorders?
Psychopharmacological treatments for severe mental disorders carry specific direct and indirect cardiovascular risks that must be incorporated into individualized risk/benefit assessments.
Background Severe mental disorders, i.e. psychotic disorders, unipolar and bipolar disorders are associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The underlying cause of this association is complex and comprises disorder specific alterations such as dysfunctions of immunological and hormonal systems, body-composition changes and health associated behaviors (smoking, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol intake and treatment compliance). Furthermore, some psychopharmacological drugs may exert unwanted side effects that impact the cardiovascular system. Methods This paper reviews studies concerning commonly used antidepressant and antipsychotics drugs with a particular focus on direct and indirect cardiovascular side effects. Results Newer antidepressant drugs have a favorable cardiovascular safety profile compared to tricyclic antidepressants. However, QTc prolongation, increased blood pressure and potentially higher risks of bleeding have been observed in some newer antidepressants. Some second generation (atypical) antipsychotics have raised concern because of indirect cardiovascular, metabolic side effects such as weight gain and disturbances in lipid and glucose metabolism. Conclusions Psychiatrists need to be aware of potential direct and indirect cardiovascular side effects and to include them in the risk/benefit assessment when choosing a specific individualized treatment.
Kai G. Kahl (Mon,) conducted a review in Severe mental disorders. Antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs was evaluated on Direct and indirect cardiovascular side effects. Antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs carry direct and indirect cardiovascular risks, including QTc prolongation with newer antidepressants and metabolic disturbances with atypical antipsychotics.