title: Antidepressants and dizziness.
abstract: Despite several evidences supporting a close relationship between dizziness and anxiety symptoms, the role of antidepressants in the treatment of such conditions remains poorly explored. The high prevalence of dizziness during serotonin reuptake inhibitors discontinuation syndrome and the few reports suggesting efficacy of antidepressants in treating some vestibular disorders justify a careful investigation. Neurophysiologic studies suggest possible focus of investigation on mechanisms of drug action. Psychophysiologic studies also suggest a possible role of antidepressant drugs in improving balance control and cognitive functioning. Controlled studies involving antidepressants with selective action in different neurotransmitters systems are necessary to elucidate the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms involving emotional and balance control. For future researches, special attention must be paid to the methodology of balance evaluation and the interaction between posture control and cognitive functioning.
authors.affiliation: Department and Institute of Psychiatry LIM 23, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. renato.ramos@hcnet.usp.br
authors.forename: Renato T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Ramos
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004244:Dizziness / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000187:drug effects; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors