Wathra R, Mulsant BH, Thomson L, Goldberger KW, Lenze EJ, Karp JF, Sanches M, Reynolds CF, Blumberger DM. Hypertension and orthostatic hypotension with venlafaxine treatment in depressed older adults.
J Psychopharmacol 2020;
34:1112-1118. [PMID:
32842836 PMCID:
PMC8200287 DOI:
10.1177/0269881120944154]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is often used as first- or second-line therapy for depression in older adults. It can be associated with adverse blood pressure (BP) effects.
METHODS
Adults ⩾60 years of age in a current major depressive episode were treated in a protocolized manner with venlafaxine XR; 429 participants were treated for 8-16 weeks with a daily dose up to 300 mg to achieve remission from depression. Cardiac measures included sitting and standing BP and heart rate.
RESULTS
Of participants who were normotensive at baseline, 6.5% were found to have elevated BP during the study (1.9% <225 mg/day; 9.8% ⩾225 mg/day). There was no significant change in mean BP in the overall sample, or in the subgroup treated with doses ⩾225 mg/day. Additionally, 20.1% of the participants who did not have orthostatic hypotension at baseline were found to have orthostatic hypotension (16.8% <225 mg/day; 22.4% ⩾225 mg/day). Participants with new-onset orthostatic hypotension were significantly more likely to fall than the other participants.
CONCLUSION
A large proportion of older adults treated with venlafaxine experience orthostatic hypotension, putting them at risk for falls. A smaller proportion experience elevated BP. Older patients prescribed venlafaxine, particularly at high doses, should be advised and counseled about these adverse effects.
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