Antidepressants may increase risk of death for those with progressive lung disease

Antidepressant use in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a 20 per cent increase in likelihood of death and a 15 per cent increase in likelihood of hospitalization due to related symptoms. This study suggests a strong association exists between, new users of serotonergic antidepressants among adults with COPD and higher rates of hospitalization, emergency room visits, and mortality related to respiratory conditions, as well as death overall versus non-users of the medications.

European Respiratory Journal
Published June 26, 2018 (News release from St. Michael’s Hospital)
Lead author: Nicholas Vozoris, St. Michael’s Hospital – VozorisN@smh.ca