Effects of antidepressants on cardiac function

Most antidepressants may affect the cardiovascular system adversely although their mode of action in causing these complications differs. They affect the cardiovascular system directly or through drug interactions. They may affect blood pressure, the inotropic state of the heart and cardiac conduction. The causes of these complications are discussed with relevance to the known action of these agents. Although serious cardiovascular complications do not occur frequently at therapeutic dosage, a knowledge of these abnormalities is essential for safe prescribing. After overdose many of these agents may prove lethal.