Can certain medications increase the risk of arrhythmias?

Certain medications can indeed increase the risk of arrhythmias, and this includes various classes of drugs. Some antidepressants, particularly certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and stimulants used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can have effects on heart rhythm. Stimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to arrhythmias, while some antidepressants may prolong the QT interval, which can predispose individuals to torsades de pointes and other types of abnormal heart rhythms.

It’s important to recognize that not all medications are created equal when it comes to their safety profiles regarding heart health. Prescription medications are not the sole category of drugs that pose risks; both prescription and over-the-counter medications can have cardiovascular effects. Thus, claiming that only prescription medications are a concern or that over-the-counter drugs are the only risky ones overlooks the complexities of pharmacology and individual patient responses to various substances.