Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and rhabdomyolysis after eccentric exercise

Purpose: The purpose of this report was to review three cases of clinically significant rhabdomyolysis that developed in research subjects after completing an eccentric exercise protocol. All three cases occurred in subjects who reported use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Methods: Sixty-three subjects enrolled in the study. Subjects performed 15 sets of 15 repetitions of maximal eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors. Subjects were then monitored on a daily basis for development of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Subjects received either microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation (MENS) or sham treatment. Results: Three subjects developed clinically significant rhabdomyolysis after performing this exercise protocol. Affected subjects were the only subjects who reported use of SSRI during the study period. Conclusion: This report raises suspicion of SSRI use as a predisposing factor to muscle injury after eccentric exercise.