title: Cardiovascular effects of tricyclic antidepressants in childhood asthma: a case series and review.
abstract: Children with asthma frequently have significant anxiety and depression that interfere with treatment outcome. Although the use of antidepressants may be helpful, in the one published study of antidepressant use in pediatric asthma, significant side effects necessitated discontinuance; these side effects were increased motor activity, impulsive behavior, insomnia, postural hypotension, premature auricular contractions, diastolic hypertension, and generalized seizure. The objective of this retrospective chart review was to examine whether antidepressants could be tolerated and administered safely to children on asthma medications. Forty pediatric inpatients (mean age 13.3 years, range 7-19) with varying levels of asthma severity (5 mild, 11 moderate, 24 severe) and an average duration of asthma treatment of 10.0 years were administered antidepressants while also taking an average of 5 medications for asthma (range 2-7). Ten of the patients had an additional comorbid medical diagnosis. There were 17 children diagnosed with a primary affective disorder; 7 with a primary anxiety disorder; and 16 with both an affective and anxiety disorder. Thirty-six children ultimately were continued on an antidepressant: 13 on desipramine, 9 on nortriptyline, 6 on imipramine, 4 on fluoxetine, 3 on bupropion, and 1 on sertraline. Significant cardiovascular side effects (tachycardia, hypertension, and postural hypotension) occurred in 4 subjects on tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and 1 subject on a non-TCA (fluoxetine); 3 of these subjects were able to continue treatment with an antidepressant. Two subjects were taken off antidepressants because of hypomanic symptoms (increased motor activity, mood lability, impulsive behavior, and insomnia). No medications were discontinued because of electrocardiogram changes, arrhythmias, or seizures. Doses of TCAs were comparable to those in previous studies, but the asthma medications differed. Discussion of current anti-asthmatic medications and potential for interactions with antidepressants is included.
authors.affiliation: National Jewish Medical and Research Center, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, USA.
authors.forename: M Z
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Wamboldt
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Yancey
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Roesler
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003891:Desipramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009661:Nortriptyline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D009661:Nortriptyline; D007099:Imipramine; D003891:Desipramine