Antidepressants and Lung Toxicity: A Narrative Review

Pulmonary toxicity is a serious yet frequently under-recognized complication of antidepressant therapy. With the continued rise in prescriptions, awareness of potential respiratory adverse effects is crucial. This review outlines documented cases of lung injury linked to various antidepressant classes, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, serotonin modulators, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). A wide range of manifestations, such as interstitial lung disease, eosinophilic pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and alveolar hemorrhage, occurring at both standard dosages and in overdose situations, have been documented. Clinicians should remain vigilant for respiratory symptoms emerging during treatment and pursue timely evaluation and management to minimize the risk of long-term pulmonary complications and improve clinical outcomes.