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Updated: May 26, 2026

Laser-Induced Action Potential-Like Measurements of Cardiomyocytes on Microelectrode Arrays for Increased Predictivity of Safety Pharmacology
Published on: September 13, 2022
Effect of clovoxamine fumarate on the electrocardiogram
1Department of Psychiatry, Royal South Hants Hospital, Southampton SO9 4PE, UK.
Clovoxamine, an antidepressant, showed no significant impact on electrocardiograms (ECG) in patients with depression. This study indicates clovoxamine is safe for the heart in therapeutic doses for patients without pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Clovoxamine is an antidepressant affecting noradrenaline and serotonin.
- Electrocardiographic (ECG) effects of antidepressants require careful evaluation.
- No prior studies extensively documented clovoxamine's cardiac safety profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrocardiographic effects of clovoxamine.
- To determine if clovoxamine alters cardiac electrical activity in patients with depression.
- To assess the cardiovascular safety of clovoxamine treatment.
Main Methods:
- 28 patients with depressive illness were enrolled.
- High-speed electrocardiograms (ECG) were recorded before and after 4 weeks of treatment.
- Patients received either clovoxamine or placebo in a blinded manner.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant changes were observed in sinus cycle length, PR, QRS, or QTc intervals.
- T-wave height remained unchanged after treatment with clovoxamine or placebo.
- Clovoxamine demonstrated no clinically significant ECG alterations.
Conclusions:
- Clovoxamine does not produce clinically important adverse effects on the ECG.
- The antidepressant is considered safe for cardiac function in therapeutic doses.
- Patients without significant physical disease can be treated with clovoxamine without cardiac concern.
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