Hematological and Biochemical Effects of some Antidepressants and Antipsychotics on Albino Rats

Abstract

Antidepressants and antipsychotics are among the most frequently prescribed classes of psychotropic medications, while these agents have significantly improved psychiatric care, they are also associated with a variety of side effects. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the adverse effects of some antidepressants (Amitriptyline and Escitalopram) and antipsychotics (Clozapine) on
hematological and biochemical parameters, including, kidney function in male albino rats. The rats were divided into seven groups. (G1), the control group, was given 1 ml/kg of saline solution. (G2) was given (low) dose of Amitriptyline (0.08 mg/kg). (G3) was given the high dose of Amitriptyline (0.25 mg/kg). G4 was given (low) dose of Escitalopram (0.03 mg/kg). G5 was given the high dose of
Escitalopram (0.1 mg/kg). (G6) was given (low) dose of Clozapine (0.08 mg/kg). G7 was given the high dose of Clozapine (0.25 mg/kg). After a month, the results showed that the low doses of Amitriptyline and clozapine had non significant changes in total WBCs counts, neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes counts, but, the high doses of these drugs induced significant decrease in these parameters. The low and high doses of Escitalopram induced non significant changes in these parameters and in Erythrocytes counts, Hemoglobin, Platelets, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Creatinine, Blood Urea, Uric Acid, Total Testosterone, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C,
VLDL, HDL, GGT, Total Protein, Albumin, A/G Ratio and NO. The low and high doses of Amitriptyline and clozapine induced significant increase in Creatinine, Blood Urea, Uric Acid, GGT, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-C, VLDL, and significant decrease in Erythrocytes count, Hemoglobin, Platelets, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Total Testosterone, HDL-C, Total Protein, Albumin, A/G Ratio and NO. Conclusion: The present results showed severe side effects of administration of Clozapine and Amitriptyline to rats represented in disturbance in hematological parameters and blood functions, toxicity in kidney functions, in addition to, toxic effects of these drugs concerning sex hormones, while, administration of Cipralex did not induce adverse effects in most of the mentioned parameters.