title: SSRIs & the risk of abnormal bleeding.
abstract: Considerable research is needed to fully understand the interactions of SSRIs and hematological functioning. Adequate studies of platelet function in patients taking SSRIs are lacking. The risk of bleeding with SSRI treatment appears to be low, and the occurrence of bleeding is usually minor when it does occur. However, the risk does exist and must be considered in any patient taking SSRIs who develops abnormal bleeding or bruising not otherwise explained by an appropriate assessment to determine the etiology. Routine monitoring of patients taking SSRIs should probably include questions about bruising or bleeding, particularly in patients with blood dyscrasias and in older patients taking medications that affect platelet function. Caution should be exercised before starting patients with preexisting bleeding risks on SSRIs, including patients taking NSAIDs, aspirin, or other drugs that may impair coagulation.
authors.affiliation: Montgomery VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA. roy.reeves@med.va.gov
authors.forename: Roy R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Reeves
authors.forename: P Melonee
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Wise
authors.forename: Sera K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Cox
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016208:Databases, Factual; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004357:Drug Synergism; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012107:Research Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors