Cardiac disorders and antidepressant medications

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) h ave been associated with an increase in cardiovascular disorders, especiall y in depressed patients who have pre-existing cardiac disease. These disord ers are less likely to occur when a therapeutic dosage is administered. Inj uries because of Tails are more likely in elderly depressed patients, and o rthostatic hypotension occurs with the use of TCAs. Selective serotonin reu ptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants differ structurally and in side effe cts from TCAs and MAOIs. They appear to be effective for treatment of depre ssion, and their side-effect profiles appear safer than those of earlier ap proved antidepressants used by depressed patients with cardiovascular disor ders.