|
Citation
|
van der Sluiszen NNJJM, Vermeeren A, van Dijken JH, van de Loo AJAE, Veldstra JL, de Waard D, Verster JC, Brookhuis KA, Ramaekers JG. Hum. Psychopharmacol. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub. |
|
Abstract
|
OBJECTIVE: To assess driving performance and neurocognitive skills of long-term users of sedating antidepressants, in comparison to healthy controls.
METHODS: Thirty-eight long-term (>6 months) users of amitriptyline (n = 13) and mirtazapine (n = 25) were compared to 65 healthy controls. Driving performance was assessed using a 1-h standardised highway driving test in actual traffic, with road-tracking error (standard deviation of lateral position [SDLP]) being the primary measure. Secondary measures included neurocognitive tasks related to driving. Performance differences between groups were compared to those of blood alcohol concentrations of 0.5 mg/ml to determine clinical relevance.
RESULTS: Compared to controls, mean increase in SDLP of all antidepressant users was not significant, nor clinically relevant (+0.75 cm, 95% CI: -0.83 cm; +2.33 cm). However, users treated less than 3 years (n = 20) did show a significant and clinically relevant increase in SDLP (+2.05 cm). No significant effects were observed on neurocognitive tasks for any user group, although large individual differences were present. Most results from neurocognitive tests were inconclusive, while a few parameters confirmed non-inferiority for users treated longer than 3 years.
CONCLUSION: The impairing effects of antidepressant treatment on driving performance and neurocognition mitigate over time following long-term use of 3 years.
Language: en |