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Previous studies suggest that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increases the risk for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). To investigate this issue further, investigators conducted a meta-analysis of 22 observational studies (6 cohort and 16 case-control studies) that included 1,073,000 patients and compared the frequency of UGIB events in SSRI users versus nonusers.
SSRI users had a 50% increased risk for UGIB compared with nonusers (pooled odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–1.78). Both antiplatelet drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) increased the risk for a bleeding episode; the concomitant use of both with SSRIs resulted in a ninefold elevated risk for UGIB (pooled OR, 9.13; …