Use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and the heart rate corrected QT interval in a real-life setting: The population-based Rotterdam Study

Aims Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), specifically citalopram and escitalopram, are thought to cause QTc prolongation, although studies have shown contradictory results. Nevertheless, a maximum citalopram dosage of 20 mg in high risk patients (e.g. >60 years of age) is recommended. We aimed to investigate the association between use of (individual) SSRIs and QTc in a population-based study in older adults. Methods This study, which was part of the prospective Rotterdam Study (period 1991-2012), included participants with up to five electrocardiograms (ECGs). We used linear mixed models to compare QTcF (QT corrected according to Fridericia) measured during use of individual SSRIs with QTcF measured during non-use of any antidepressant. For citalopram, analyses were additionally restricted