[Cardiovascular adverse drug reactions related to psychotropic drugs: an evaluation of data of summaries of product characteristics].

Abstract

Background: The use of numerous psychotropic drugs is associated with a significant risk of cardiovascular adverse drug reactions (cvADR).

Aim of the study: Systematic presentation and discussion of substance-specific risks of different cvADR.

Materials and methods: Evaluation of the regulatory data from summaries of products characteristics (SmPC) of the psychotropic drugs most frequently prescribed in Germany in 2023 with regard to the risk of cvADR.

Results: A total of 92 SmPC were examined, and within the indication groups, n=27 antidepressants, n=22 antipsychotics, n=4 mood stabilizers, n=12 hypnotics, n=9 sedatives and anxiolytics, n=6 drugs for the treatment of addiction disorders, n=5 psychostimulants, and n=7 antidementia drugs. The risk of cvADR was lowest for mood stabilizers, hypnotics, sedatives, and anxiolytics, and low for drugs used to treat addiction disorders, stimulants, and antidementia drugs, while antidepressants and antipsychotics were associated with the highest risk.

Conclusion: The results found here, based on regulatory data, largely correspond with clinical experience and the available evidence from clinical studies. When using psychotropic drugs, especially antidepressants and antipsychotics, cvADR should be systematically taken into account and regularly monitored clinically.