The Association between Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in People with Epilepsy: A Retrospective Analysis

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in people with epilepsy (PWE), and confers medical and seizure-related consequences when untreated. Positive airway pressure, the gold-standard for OSA management, is limited by tolerability. As serotonin is involved respiratory control and amelioration of seizure-induced respiratory events, this study aims to determine whether serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) may represent a potential therapeutic option. METHODS: A retrospective study of 100 PWE and OSA ≥18 years of age was conducted. The primary outcome measure was OSA severity as function of SRI use, with rapid eye movement (REM)-related OSA as a secondary outcome. RESULTS: Older age and depression were more common in those taking an SRI. There was no association between SRIs and OSA severity. However, the SRI group was less likely to have REM-related OSA. CONCLUSIONS: In PWE and OSA, SRI use is associated with reduced risk of REM-related OSA, and may represent a potential management strategy.