Cardioversion of persistent atrial arrhythmia after treatment with venlafaxine in successful management of major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder

Psychosomatics. 2006 Nov-Dec;47(6):533-6. doi: 10.1176/appi.psy.47.6.533.

Abstract

There is increasing evidence linking depression and cardiovascular disease. However, the authors could find no literature directly linking depression with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. The authors report the case of a patient with uncontrolled atrial arrhythmia who cardioverted to normal sinus rhythm after treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with venlafaxine. The authors discuss comorbidity of MDD and atrial fibrillation, and explore evidence of venlafaxine as an antiarrhythmic agent. Further research is needed to establish the clinical role of venlafaxine as a Class 1 antiarrhythmic agent and any association between atrial arrhythmias and MDD and PTSD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / therapeutic use*
  • Atrial Fibrillation / epidemiology*
  • Atrial Flutter / epidemiology*
  • Comorbidity
  • Cyclohexanols / therapeutic use*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / epidemiology*
  • Electric Countershock*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Sodium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / drug therapy*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology*
  • Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Cyclohexanols
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Sodium Channel Blockers
  • Venlafaxine Hydrochloride