Driving performance and neurocognitive skills of long-term users of sedating antidepressants
van der Sluiszen, Nick N J J M; Vermeeren, Annemiek; van Dijken, Joke H; J A E van de Loo, Aurora; Veldstra, Janet L; de Waard, Dick; C Verster, Joris; A Brookhuis, Karel; Ramaekers, Johannes G
(2021) Human Psychopharmacology, volume 36, issue 1, pp. 1 - 12
(Article)
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
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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.
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Keywords: antidepressants, driving performance, long-term use, neurocognition, on-the-road driving, Neurology, Clinical Neurology, Psychiatry and Mental health, Pharmacology (medical)
ISSN: 0885-6222
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Note: Funding Information: Authors would like to thank A. van Oers, I. Brauers, H. Brauers, C. Steins, J. Jongen, S. Coleman, F.R.J. Vinckenbosch (Maastricht University), J. Jansen, R. Enkelaar, Z. Kösem, J. Zwart, W. Langendroff, S. Timmermans, S. van Kreel, D. Bervoets and S. de Klerk (University of Utrecht), B. de Kruijk, E. Flier and M. Janmaat (University of Groningen) for their assistance in carrying out the study. Furthermore, the authors would like to thank C. van Leeuwen, MD. (Maastricht University), N. Bouwmeester, MD (University of Utrecht) and P.P. de Deyn, MD (University of Groningen), for their medical supervision. This study was financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water management. Funding Information: Authors would like to thank A. van Oers, I. Brauers, H. Brauers, C. Steins, J. Jongen, S. Coleman, F.R.J. Vinckenbosch (Maastricht University), J. Jansen, R. Enkelaar, Z. K?sem, J. Zwart, W. Langendroff, S. Timmermans, S. van Kreel, D. Bervoets and S. de Klerk (University of Utrecht), B. de Kruijk, E. Flier and M. Janmaat (University of Groningen) for their assistance in carrying out the study. Furthermore, the authors would like to thank C. van Leeuwen, MD. (Maastricht University), N. Bouwmeester, MD (University of Utrecht) and P.P. de Deyn, MD (University of Groningen), for their medical supervision. This study was financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water management. Publisher Copyright: © 2020 The Authors. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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