02/09/2026
A Caution About Long-Term Antidepressant Use
Antidepressants can be lifesaving, but their long-term risks deserve closer attention—especially for adults over 55.
A large observational study led by the University of Bristol followed more than 200,000 people for ten years. After accounting for several pre-existing risk factors, researchers found that long-term antidepressant use was associated with higher rates of coronary heart disease, cardiovascular death and death from any cause. The strongest associations involved non-SSRI medications such as mirtazapine, venlafaxine, duloxetine and trazodone.
These findings do not prove that antidepressants caused the increased risks; depression, aging, lifestyle and underlying illness may also contribute. Nevertheless, they reinforce the importance of regularly reviewing whether a medication remains effective and whether its benefits still outweigh its risks.
Antidepressants may also become less effective over time, and discontinuation can produce significant physical and psychological symptoms. No one should stop these medications abruptly. Patients—particularly older adults and those taking them long term—should periodically discuss effectiveness, side effects, cardiovascular health and any carefully supervised tapering options with their prescriber.
