Adults with COPD who are prescribed antidepressants may need close monitoring for side effects, say UK researchers who found an increased risk of pneumonia and exacerbations with antidepressant use.

The University of Nottingham-led team report a 79% and 16% higher likelihood of pneumonia and COPD exacerbations, respectively, within 90 days of starting antidepressants compared to no exposure.

Their observational study also showed that the risk of either adverse event continued to increase beyond the first three months, but disappeared once treatment was discontinued.

While the authors stressed that a causal relationship could not be proven, they said their results “should raise awareness of any side effects that may be particularly problematic for the individual”.