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Sinus node dysfunction due to psychotropic agents' combination

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

József Simkó*
Affiliation:
Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medicine, Semmelweis Health Care Center, Miskolc, Hungary
Gabriella Nagy
Affiliation:
Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medicine, Semmelweis Health Care Center, Miskolc, Hungary
Anikó Dózsa
Affiliation:
Department of Dermatology, Semmelweis Health Care Center, Miskolc, Hungary
István Lörincz
Affiliation:
Division of Emergency Medicine, First Department of Medicine, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
*
József Simkó, Department of Cardiology, Institute of Medicine, Semmelweis Health Care Center, Csabai kapu 9-11, Miskolc 3529, Hungary. Tel: +36 46 555666; Fax: +36 46 562592; E-mail: sjozs74@hotmail.com

Extract

Background: Although sinus node dysfunction is primarily related to degenerative fibrosis of nodal tissue in the elderly, it may occur at any age secondary to other cardiac abnormalities or extrinsic causes. Pharmacologic agents including psychotropic drug therapy may also play a role.

Method: We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with bipolar affective disorder in whom antipsychotic agents were suspected of inducing sinus node dysfunction.

Result: The combination of psychotropic agents including lithium, quetiapine and carbamazepine (first occasion) or escitalopram (second occasion) has been implicated as a cause for sinus node dysfunction.

Conclusion: Patients with severe mental illness usually require long-term psychotropic drug therapy, often in combination. This may enhance efficacy but also involves an increased risk of adverse effects including cardiotoxicity.

Type
Case Report
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

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