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Trazodone-related exercise-induced nonsustained ventricular tachycardia
R N Vitullo1, J M Wharton, N B Allen
1Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
Chest
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Trazodone, a common antidepressant, can cause serious cardiac arrhythmias, even with a good cardiovascular safety record. This drug-related heart rhythm issue was confirmed through careful drug rechallenge in a patient evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Psychopharmacology
Background:
- Trazodone is a widely prescribed nontricyclic antidepressant.
- It is generally considered to have a favorable cardiovascular safety profile compared to other antidepressants.
- Cardiac arrhythmias are a potential, though often overlooked, side effect.
Observation:
- A 79-year-old woman presented for syncope evaluation.
- Cardiac arrhythmia was identified during the diagnostic workup.
- The arrhythmia was temporally associated with trazodone use.
Findings:
- Drug rechallenge confirmed trazodone as the causative agent for the cardiac arrhythmia.
- This case highlights the arrhythmogenic potential of trazodone.
- The event occurred despite the drug's perceived cardiovascular safety.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider trazodone as a potential cause of cardiac arrhythmias in patients presenting with relevant symptoms.
- Further investigation into the arrhythmogenic mechanisms of trazodone may be warranted.
- This finding is crucial for patient safety, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiac conditions.