Usefulness of paroxetine in depressed men with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Am J Cardiol. 2006 Jun 15;97(12):1749-51. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2006.01.038. Epub 2006 Apr 21.

Abstract

The occurrence and the duration of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) are influenced by vagal tone. Paroxetine, an antidepressant, can modulate vagal tone at the level of the mid-brain and inhibit the vasovagal reflex. In this study, oral paroxetine 10 mg/day was administered to patients with multidrug-resistant paroxysmal AF. Nine consecutive men responded favorably to the drug. In 3 patients, AF resolved completely. One patient could not tolerate the drug because of nausea and nervousness. These preliminary results suggest that paroxetine could be a choice in the pharmacologic treatment of paroxysmal AF.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Atrial Fibrillation / complications
  • Atrial Fibrillation / drug therapy*
  • Depression / complications
  • Depression / drug therapy*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Paroxetine / therapeutic use*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Paroxetine