title: SSRI-induced coagulopathy: is it reality?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the effect of escitalopram and fluoxetine on coagulation profile in patients with major depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective, open-label, single-centre study in 40 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The patients were diagnosed using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition criteria. Twenty patients receiving escitalopram 10 mg per day and 20 patients receiving fluoxetine 20 mg per day participated in the study and were followed up for 3 months. Coagulation parameters - bleeding time, clotting time, platelet count, prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin kaolin time - were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of 3 months, a significant increase in bleeding time was seen in patients receiving fluoxetine, but within the normal range. No rise was seen in the group given escitalopram.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In patients with depression, fluoxetine increases bleeding time whereas escitalopram has no effect on coagulation profile. However, both the drugs can be used safely for long-term treatment.
authors: Riyaz
authors: R
authors: Siddiqui
authors: Sushil
authors: S
authors: Gawande
authors: Tanaji
authors: T
authors: Shende
authors: Rahul
authors: R
authors: Tadke
authors: Sudhir
authors: S
authors: Bhave
authors: Vivek
authors: V
authors: Kirpekar
keywords: SSRI; coagulopathy; escitalopram; fluoxetine
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