SSRI potentiation of methadone cardiotoxicity

Abstract

Methadone maintenance therapy, commonly used in the treatment of opioid use disorder, has been associated with electrocardiographic QT interval prolongation.1 With comorbid mental illness often seen in methadone‐treated patients,2 concurrent antidepressant use is likely. This results in a high potential for drug interaction, especially with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).