Watch for arrhythmia risk with common SSRIs: study

While rare, it is important for GPs to be aware of the risk, says Associate Professor Ralph Audehm.
Associate Professor Ralph Audehm
Associate Professor Ralph Audehm.

Over-65s prescribed escitalopram or citalopram are at increased risk of arrhythmia, while patients with known QT prolongation should avoid the SSRIs altogether, Norwegian researchers report.

The risk of iatrogenic cardiac arrest has been flagged for both antidepressants, but the latest study in eBioMedicine has quantified the specific serum concentrations that have proarrhythmic potential.