Use of tricyclic antidepressants in recipients of heart transplants.
Cardiac transplantation has become an accepted treatment for certain endstage cardiac disease patients. Depression and significant psychosocial stress among heart transplant recipients are not uncommon, but published reports about the use of antidepressants in these persons are very rare. The authors of this study report on a group of nine heart transplant recipients treated with antidepressant medicines. Seven patients achieved clinical remissions of their depression, and only two were unable to tolerate the noncardiac side effects of the medication. Indicators of autonomic, electrocardiographic, and hemodynamic functions showed no adverse effects. Although the study is based on a small sample, it appears that tricyclic antidepressants are safe and effective in heart transplant recipients.
Kay
J
J
Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, OH.
Bienenfeld
D
D
Slomowitz
M
M
Burk
J
J
Zimmer
L
L
Nadolny
G
G
Marvel
N T
NT
Geier
P
P
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000639:Amitriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003891:Desipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D000639:Amitriptyline; D009661:Nortriptyline; D003891:Desipramine