The release of a recent scientific study conducted by a group in the Netherlands suggests more widely-prescribed medications increase the possibility of sudden cardiac death.

One drug, Domperidone which sells in Canada under the brand name Motilium which is prescribed for treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract has been named by the Dutch study as one of the drugs that has potential to cause sudden death.

Other drugs included in this study are three anti-psychotic medications which are used in the treatment of schizophrenia and psychotic disorders. Study results indicate that these drugs have a "potentially lethal side-effect that interferes with electrical activity controlling the heartbeat" which significantly increases the risk of sudden death.

The three drugs are chlorpromazine (Largactil, Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol) and pimozide (Orap).

Dr. Bruno Stricker who headed the study wrote that the results indicate over 300 cases of sudden cardiac death can be attributed to these particular medications in the Netherlands alone. He added that number increases dramatically according to an area's population. In Europe the numbers escalate to 9,000 and 6,000 in the United States. Stricker added, "The risk of sudden cardiac death was higher among recent starters - within around 90 days - and was significantly increased in users of GI [gastro-intestinal] medication and anti-psychotics."

Because these medications are imperative for a particular segment of the population, patients are cautioned to not stop treatment without conferring with their physicians.

This latest study is included in the recent edition of the European Heart Journal.