Long-term antidepressant usage has been associated with an increased risk of adverse effects, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), cerebrovascular disease (CV), coronary heart disease (CHD), and all-cause mortality, according to a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry Open.

The study involved 222,121 participants whose information was connected to primary care records in 2018. They found that 10-year antidepressant usage was linked to an almost twofold increased risk of CVD and CVD mortality, a nearly twofold high risk of CHD, a greater chance of CV, and an almost twofold increased risk of all-cause mortality.

At five years, SSRIs were linked to a lower risk of developing diabetes. At 10 years, SSRIs were linked to a higher risk of CV, CVD, and all-cause mortality, a lower risk of diabetes and hypertension, and a higher risk of CHD, CVD, and all-cause mortality when compared to non-SSRIs.

Mirtazapine, venlafaxine, duloxetine, and trazodone caused more adverse effects; however SSRIs were also associated with an elevated risk.

The studies highlight the importance of proactive cardiovascular monitoring and prevention in patients with depression taking antidepressants, as both have been linked to greater risks. (Source: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/981951#vp_3)