title: Venous thromboembolism and escitalopram.
abstract: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently used as a first-line treatment for depression, as they have a favorable side-effect profile. Escitalopram, a new SSRI, is also well-tolerated and serious side effects are rarely associated with its use. There have been several reports that SSRIs might increase bleeding tendency in some patients by affecting platelet function. However, to our knowledge, there have been no reports about their relation to thrombosis. In this brief report, we present a case of venous thromboembolism associated with escitalopram in a patient with psychotic depression without any major risk factors for thrombosis. SSRIs might have a dual effect on platelet function. The immediate and early effect of SSRI use on platelets might be an increase be an in tendency for thrombosis, whereas the late effect after repeated dosing might be an increase in tendency to bleed, as suggested by previous literature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, 06100 Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Asli
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kurne
authors.forename: Aygun
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ertugrul
authors.forename: A Elif
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Anil Yağcioğlu
authors.forename: Kazim M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Yazici
mesh_terms: D000341:Affective Disorders, Psychotic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001510:Bed Rest / Q000009:adverse effects; D015283:Citalopram / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D011152:Popliteal Vein; D012307:Risk Factors; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000097:blood / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D015283:Citalopram; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors