Increased Risk for GI Bleeding with SSRIs

Prior studies have demonstrated a positive association between use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and risk for bleeding, including gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Decreased platelet function has been suggested as a potential explanation for this effect. To further evaluate the association between SSRIs and GI hemorrhage, investigators conducted a retrospective, case-control study in three U.S. hospitals. Medical records were reviewed for all patients admitted between 2003 and mid-2004 with ICD-9 codes for GI hemorrhage. After the exclusion of patients with liver disease or bleeding diathesis, 579 cases were matched with 1000 controls by age, sex, and date of hospitalization.

Medical records indicated that 19.2% of cases and …