Thousands on antidepressants could be at risk of life-threatening heart problems if they are taking another common drug, experts warn

Thousands of patients in the UK may be at risk of dangerous drug interactions, doctors have warned-new research, beta blockers, antidepressants can trigger life-threatening heart problems.

Both drugs are widely prescribed: 8.6 million people in the UK were given antidepressants last year.

For heart conditions, beta blockers are prescribed annually or beta blockers are prescribed to calm anxiety symptoms such as palpitations and tremors.

Scientists examined 65 adults with both depression and high blood pressure, and found that the combination of two drugs increased the risk of dangerously low blood pressure and abnormal slow heart rate.

All of them were the most widely used drugs for depression and anxiety, including fluoxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine, as well as an beta block with antidepressants such as SSRIs such as Duloxetine and SNRIs.

The researchers found the highest risk with a group of drugs known as CYP2D6 metabolized beta blockers, including Metoprolol, Karvedilol and Nebivolol.

They are disintegrated by an enzyme called CYP2D6 in the liver. If this enzyme is blocked by another drug, such as some antidepressants, the beta blocker can withstand non -secure levels in the body.

The analysis revealed that there was a 15-20 percent decrease in blood pressure of those in this combination and a 25 percent higher risk of bradycardia, and that the heart is abnormally slow.

When the vital organs die of hunger oxygen, seriously low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fainting, organ damage, and even shock.

Bradycardia increases seizures, interruptions and the risk of heart stopping.

Results Hypertension Science Sessions of the American Heart Association were announced in 2025.

Dow Medical College from Dow Medical College from Dow Medical College from Dow Medical College in Karachi, “ “ we waited for interactions, but especially Nebivolol and other beta blockers were striking, ” he said.

The team said that this effect is not seen in people receiving attenolol or nadolol, which is processed differently in the body and is likely to interact with antidepressants.

Dr. Jawed said: ‘CYP2D6 metabolized beta blockers SSRIs or other CYP2D6 inhibitors with clinicians should be careful.

‘Dose adjustment and close monitoring is the key, beta blockers may be less dependent on liver metabolism.’

However, the analysis added that there is a need for larger studies than it contains a small group of patients.

The stimulation signs of low blood pressure include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, fainting and confusion.

Bradycardia symptoms include chest pain, excessive fatigue, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating.

The findings are due to a source of concern about the increasing use of beta blockers for anxiety.

First, propranolol developed to treat heart disease has become a pill to calm the nerves in stressful situations.

By blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, it slows down the heart, reduces blood pressure and goes out of physical stress symptoms such as rinsing, sweating and palpitations.

However, experts warn that there is little evidence that it helps with chronic anxiety or panic attacks for a long time, and very little evidence that even long -term use can even increase the risk of death.

Celebrities such as Kristen Bell and Rachel Sennott gave credit to Beta Blockers to keep them calm in high -pressure situations.

Dr. Amir Khan said that many doctors prescribed them for ‘situational anxiety’ – for example, before the conversation in front of the community. ‘Then, not in the long run, when and when,’ he explained.

Although not an addict, it can be dangerous to get more than the prescribed dose.

Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness and sleep problems, while more serious risks include heart failure, respiratory difficulties and severe allergic reactions.