Do SSRIs have a safer cardiovascular side-effect profile compared to TCAs and MAOIs in depressed patients with pre-existing cardiac disease?
SSRIs offer a safer alternative to TCAs and MAOIs for the treatment of depression in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) have been associated with an increase in cardiovascular disorders, especially in depressed patients who have pre-existing cardiac disease. These disorders are less likely to occur when a therapeutic dosage is administered. Injuries because of falls are more likely in elderly depressed patients, and orthostatic hypotension occurs with the use of TCAs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants differ structurally and in side effects from TCAs and MAOIs. They appear to be effective for treatment of depression, and their side-effect profiles appear safer than those of earlier approved antidepressants used by depressed patients with cardiovascular disorders.
John B. Murray (Wed,) studied this question.