Bleeding Complications Linked to Antidepressants

SSRI-type antidepressants such as sertraline or fluoxetine are linked to an increased risk of post-surgical bleeding. Previous studies signaled such a problem and a new review of more than half a million patient records confirms that such drugs are associated with poorer outcomes after major surgery.
The patients on SSRIs had a consistently higher risk for bleeding. The investigators hypothesize that such medications may affect blood platelets, which are responsible for clotting. Although more research is needed to confirm this complication, patients on SSRIs may require additional monitoring when undergoing surgery.
[JAMA Internal Medicine, online April 29, 2013]