Common Antidepressants Linked to Heart Rhythm Changes
A new study found significant effects on heart electrical activity across several widely used antidepressant medications.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Heart Disease
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Researchers have identified that common antidepressants, including escitalopram and amitriptyline, significantly increase QTcF intervals in patients. The analysis of 130 randomized trials suggests these changes to heart electrical activity vary based on individual patient profiles.
Why it matters
Understanding the cardiovascular impact of antidepressants is essential for clinicians managing patients with major depressive disorder. These findings provide a data-driven basis for evaluating how specific medications may influence heart rhythm safety in diverse populations.
A study in the British Medical Journal involving 8,679 participants analyzed QTcF intervals, finding that mirtazapine shortened the interval by 27.68 milliseconds while others increased it. Escitalopram and amitriptyline increased the mean QTcF across over 85% of modeled profiles.
The players
British Medical Journal
This is a peer-reviewed medical trade journal that publishes research and opinion pieces on global health topics.
The details
The study employed a multivariate mixed-effects Bayesian model to adjust for variables such as age, sex, and eGFR. While 12 sudden non-suicidal deaths occurred within the aggregate data of 139 trials, no participants in the sample experienced torsade de pointes.
Timeline
In 2024-2025, 8.89 million people in England were prescribed antidepressants.
The systematic review search concluded on March 18, 2026.
The findings were published in the British Medical Journal on September 24, 2026.
Health Landscape
This study updates the risk profiles for antidepressant use previously established by the British Medical Journal cardiovascular pharmacotherapy guidelines. It highlights the evolution of pharmacovigilance as researchers increasingly use large-scale meta-regression to refine safety markers.
Patients taking antidepressants should discuss their specific heart health profile and any history of rhythm abnormalities with their physician. Clinicians may use this data to adjust treatment plans for patients with risk factors identified in the study.
The takeaway
This analysis demonstrates that heart rhythm impacts vary significantly by antidepressant type rather than acting as a class-wide effect. Patients and doctors should consider these specific medication profiles when balancing mental health needs with cardiovascular wellness.
Further reading
For more on cardiovascular safety and medication, visit the Heart Disease section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News-Medical.
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