Cardiovascular toxicity and tricyclic antidepressants.
This article reviews the cardiovascular effects of the standard tricyclic antidepressants and what is known of the cardiovascular effects of the newer antidepressants. The cardiovascular effects of the standard tricyclics are orthostatic hypotension, conduction delay and a potent antiarrhythmic effect. Patients who have congestive heart failure and are on cardiac medications are at greatly increased risk for orthostatic hypotension, while patients who have pre-existing conduction delay are at risk for heart block.
Jackson
W K
WK
Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, N.Y. 10032.
Roose
S P
SP
Glassman
A H
AH
D000368:Aged; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000187:drug effects; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007024:Hypotension, Orthostatic / Q000139:chemically induced; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic