The association of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors use and stroke in geriatric population.

OBJECTIVES

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) exposure has controversial results in increasing the stroke risk. With the risk of stroke increased with age, the safety of SSRI use among older adults attracts much concern.

METHODS

We analyzed 28,145 subjects older than 65 years from a subset of a 9-year cohort database from the National Health Insurance Research Database, Taiwan.

RESULTS

The survival analysis showed a greater probability of stroke in subjects with SSRI exposure after adjusting other covariates. Compared with other variables, SSRI exposure had the strongest effect (hazard ratio: 2.66, 95% confidence interval: 2.21-3.20). The risk was independent to depression-related stroke risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of SSRIs independently increases the risk of stroke among older patients. SSRIs are still practically safe to most users, providing precautionary measures are taken.