An acute ischaemic event associated with the use of venlafaxine: a case report and proposed pathophysiological mechanisms

Abstract

Venlafaxine, a structurally novel antidepressant, belongs to a new generation of antidepressants the serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors. In clinical trials, venlafaxine was found safe and effective in most patients. However, significant changes in vital signs (hyperand hypotension) and cardiac conduction abnormalities were observed in a few patients, notably in elderly patients. We present a case of an elderly woman with a pre-existing history of ischaemic heart disease, who was treated with venlafaxine, and developed acute myocardial ischaemia within the first week of treatment. This is the first report of a possible association between an acute cardiovascular event and venlafaxine. The association of venlafaxine treatment with ischaemic events could be explained by its unique pharmacological and haemodynamic properties.