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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Night Sweats in a Primary Care Population
James W Mold1, Barbara J Holtzclaw2
1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA. james-mold@ouhsc.edu.
Drugs - Real World Outcomes
|October 18, 2016
Summary
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications may cause night sweats in older adults. This study found SSRIs, ARBs, and thyroid supplements were associated with increased night sweats.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Pharmacovigilance
Background:
- Previous case reports suggest selective serotonin reuptuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may cause night sweats.
- The association between SSRIs and night sweats requires further investigation, particularly in older populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between SSRI use and night sweats in older adults.
- To explore associations between night sweats and other commonly prescribed medications in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of 413 adult primary care patients aged 65-94 years.
- Examined current regular use of 35 medication classes.
- Assessed moderate night sweats within the prior month as the main outcome measure.
Main Results:
- 9.2% of participants reported night sweats.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (OR 3.01), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (OR 3.44), and thyroid hormone supplements (OR 2.53) were significantly associated with night sweats after adjusting for age and gender.
- No association was found with age, gender, BMI, or total number of medications.
Conclusions:
- SSRI use may be associated with night sweats in older patients.
- The observed associations between night sweats and ARBs and thyroid supplements warrant further investigation.
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