Paroxetine (Paxil) lifts depression without affecting heart.
A study has found that paroxetine (Paxil/ SmithKline Beecham) effectively reduced depression in patients without affecting cardiac function. The patients in the study were administered either paroxetine, an SSRI, nortriptyline or placebo. Of the 41 patients taking nortriptyline, heart rates increased by 11% and 7 of the patients dropped out of the study because of potentially serious cardiovascular side effects, such as angina and sinus tachycardia. There is evidence that because depression can increase the risk for myocardial infarction and death effective relief of depression may improve outcomes in cardiac patients.
Jennifer is a clinical pharmacologist. She helps doctors of all medical specialties choose medications. Jennifer consults about drug dosage, interactions, and side effects.