A recent study conducted by scientists in Denmark found that individuals exposed to antidepressants have a significantly higher incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) compared to those not using such medications. The research analyzed data from 643,999 individuals and 4.3 million residents, revealing that the risk of SCD was higher across all age groups for those who had been on antidepressants.
Notably, younger individuals aged 30-39 years faced a nearly three times higher risk of SCD with 1 to 5 years of antidepressant use, and up to five times higher for those using antidepressants for six or more years. This alarming trend highlights the need for healthcare professionals to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing long-term antidepressant medication.
The study's findings suggest that individuals taking antidepressants may be at a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, particularly with prolonged use.