![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by badhaircut on November 26, 2004, at 5:42:32
[press release]
Antidepressants May Increase Risk Of Abnormal Bleeding
New users of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, a type of antidepressant) have an increased risk of being admitted to the hospital for abnormal bleeding, according to an article in the November 22 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
According to the article, case reports and observational studies have shown a relationship between SSRI use and abnormal bleeding. It is believed that serotonin plays a role in blood clotting, and because SSRIs affect serotonin levels, they may be associated with an increased risk of bleeding, the article states.
Welmoed E. E. Meijer, Ph.D., of Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Netherlands, and colleagues estimated the risk of abnormal bleeding associated with antidepressant use among 64,000 new antidepressant users. The data analyzed were collected from 1992 through 2000. Individuals were classified according to the degree (high, intermediate, or low) of serotonin reuptake inhibition of the antidepressants they were taking.
Among study participants, there were 196 cases of abnormal bleeding (including abnormal uterus bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding). The risk of hospitalization increased with the use of drugs providing intermediate (twice as likely) and high (2.6 times as likely) degrees of serotonin reuptake inhibition.
"We found a significant association between degree of serotonin reuptake inhibition by antidepressants and risk of hospital admission for abnormal bleeding," the authors write. "Antidepressants with a high degree of inhibition of serotonin reuptake were associated with a 2.6-fold increased risk of bleeding events compared with antidepressants with a low degree of serotonin reuptake inhibition," the researchers conclude.
(Archives of Internal Medicine (Nov 22, 2004) vol 164, pgs 2367-2370. Abstract at http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/164/21/2367)
Posted by ed_uk on November 26, 2004, at 5:55:08
In reply to bleeding and SSRIs, posted by badhaircut on November 26, 2004, at 5:42:32
Hi!
Yes, SSRIs have been associated with gastrointestinal bleeding in particular. I take citalopram and have a lot of nosebleeds!
Ed
Posted by crazychickuk on November 26, 2004, at 6:57:14
In reply to bleeding and SSRIs, posted by badhaircut on November 26, 2004, at 5:42:32
Posted by denise1904 on November 26, 2004, at 7:10:24
In reply to Re: bleeding and SSRIs, posted by ed_uk on November 26, 2004, at 5:55:08
..
Posted by linkadge on November 26, 2004, at 9:26:59
In reply to Re: I'd rather bleed easier than be depressed!(nm), posted by denise1904 on November 26, 2004, at 7:10:24
There was a study that showed that the SSRI's decreased the risk of heart attack. The reason for this was the proposed anticlotting abilities of SSRI's. Taking an SSRi was likened to taking a baby aspirin.
Don't freak out folks, this article was writtain for those who are on large doses of anticlotting agents already.
Linkadge
Posted by Colleen D. on November 26, 2004, at 11:00:55
In reply to bleeding and SSRIs, posted by badhaircut on November 26, 2004, at 5:42:32
If you read the literature on the SSRI, SNRIs etc., that come with the drugs, most of them warn about this. I knew it before I started taking them. That's why you should avoid other OTC drugs that can make the risk any higher.
Colleen
Posted by Iansf on November 27, 2004, at 11:42:45
In reply to Re: O FOR GOD SAKE ...... see wat i mean? (nm), posted by crazychickuk on November 26, 2004, at 6:57:14
No, actually I don't. I would rather be informed about all aspects of medications I am taking or may take. I don't want to hide my head in the sand and pretend there's not a downside to drugs because there is. Imagine if people were not informed that eating the wrong food when you're taking an MAOI could kill you. Would you rather prefer everything be kept positive rather than know the risks?
As at least one other board member said, if you see a message you think might upset you, don't read it. A message headed "Bleeding and SSRIs" is highly likely to contain information that could be disturbing. I would much prefer to know about this so I have the ability to make informed choices. You apparently would not. So make the choice of skipping over the message rather than denying others access to information they may find very useful.
People have different sensibilities, different wants, different needs. You can't expect the board to meet your wants at the expense of other people's. If you feel your only choice is to leave, that's unfortunate. I think you would better serve yourself by selecting what you read rather than abandoning the board altogether. That way you can get information that's useful to you and others can get what's useful to them.
Posted by crazychickuk on November 27, 2004, at 12:13:35
In reply to Re: O FOR GOD SAKE ...... see wat i mean? » crazychickuk, posted by Iansf on November 27, 2004, at 11:42:45
Its the heading not the post itself its the heading ..
If you wanna know the dangerous of meds then search on google for that ...
If a certain med was indeed life threatening it would be on the leaflet that med came with including the maoi ...
all i am trying to say is sick anxious ppl dont need this..
Posted by Ebony on November 27, 2004, at 12:19:41
In reply to Re: O FOR GOD SAKE ...... see wat i mean?, posted by crazychickuk on November 27, 2004, at 12:13:35
Posted by BJM on November 27, 2004, at 13:30:25
In reply to bleeding and SSRIs, posted by badhaircut on November 26, 2004, at 5:42:32
Just curious? How many out there have ended up with ulcers since being on psych meds. Seems like alot of people I know have been ending up with them lately, myself included. I'm sure the fact that I tend to take them on an empty stomach or with my morning cup of coffee doesn't help but some of my meds work better that way. I know a couple of my friends that have ended up with ulcers do the same thing but their doctors told them that the meds had nothing to do with it even though they were h-pylori neg.
Posted by linkadge on November 27, 2004, at 14:49:27
In reply to how many have ulcers?, posted by BJM on November 27, 2004, at 13:30:25
First of all, ulcers are *extrordinarily common* in depression and anxiety disorders.
Secondly, this is a site about medication. I personally would like to know about these things.
What happens if there was somebody here who was trying to select a medication and say had a prexisting ulcer. They would like to know that SSRis can increase bleeding time. People are not just putting these articles up to make people anxious, but we should infact know what these meds can do. At least then we can make an informed decision.
It's just like vioxx. I'm sure you that if you were one of the ones who experienced a significant adverse reaction, you would've wanted to know about that possability beforehand.
If we were only allowed on this board to post positively brimming success stories, then you'd only be setting yourself up for desaster. Imagine how phony that would be?
Linkadge
Posted by Iansf on November 27, 2004, at 18:04:08
In reply to Re: O FOR GOD SAKE ...... see wat i mean?, posted by crazychickuk on November 27, 2004, at 12:13:35
> If you wanna know the dangerous of meds then search on google for that ...Well if you want to know the benefits, search on google.
>
> If a certain med was indeed life threatening it would be on the leaflet that med came with including the maoi ...
>You're obviously not satisfied with the the information the inserts give or you wouldn't be here trying to find out more. Why then do you expect other people to be satisfied with the official information?
> all i am trying to say is sick anxious ppl dont need this..
You are a long way from being the only "sick anxious" person here and you don't have the right to say what other "sick anxious" people want. I think it's safe to say that the vast majority of people posting here experience a great deal of suffering. I'm on this board because I've suffered from lifelong depression and social phobia. I've thought of suicide many times. But I WANT the information, bad as well as good, and my wants are as valid as yours. You seem to assume all "sick anxious" people feel the way you do. I'm here to tell you at least one of them, me, doesn't feel the way you do.
Posted by gnepig on November 27, 2004, at 22:35:01
In reply to Re: O FOR GOD SAKE ...... see wat i mean?, posted by Iansf on November 27, 2004, at 18:04:08
Crazychicke, You seem much better since you no longer have to make a decision as to what meds you need to take, and are more involved in what others have to say. Something to think about. Most positive stuff will not appear on the board because they do not need help.
Posted by Racer on November 28, 2004, at 12:15:04
In reply to Re: O FOR GOD SAKE ...... see wat i mean?, posted by Iansf on November 27, 2004, at 18:04:08
>
> >
> > If a certain med was indeed life threatening it would be on the leaflet that med came with including the maoi ...
> >
>
> You're obviously not satisfied with the the information the inserts give or you wouldn't be here trying to find out more. Why then do you expect other people to be satisfied with the official information?
>Ian, you seem frustrated by crazychickuk's post, which expresses her own fears about medication side effects, and the dangers of medications. While you and I apparently agree that being informed is the best starting point with medications, not everyone can handle it. What's more, at this point CCUK has been through the mill with meds, and is irrationally frightened of EVERYTHING related to medications. The lack of support she's received from her treatment team has exacerbated her fears, with the result that every potential side effect, no matter how insignificant, takes on much more importance to her. Asking her to approach the potential dangers rationally is unrealistic at this point.
What bothers me, though, is that you seem to be scolding her for her fears, which strikes me as being unkind.
> > all i am trying to say is sick anxious ppl dont need this..
>
> You are a long way from being the only "sick anxious" person here and you don't have the right to say what other "sick anxious" people want. I think it's safe to say that the vast majority of people posting here experience a great deal of suffering. I'm on this board because I've suffered from lifelong depression and social phobia. I've thought of suicide many times. But I WANT the information, bad as well as good, and my wants are as valid as yours. You seem to assume all "sick anxious" people feel the way you do. I'm here to tell you at least one of them, me, doesn't feel the way you do.
>
>
That's true -- many of us here want to learn more, and want to be able to make informed decisions regarding the medications we take. Despite the fears I have myself, I still want to know the bad as well as the good -- after all, I obviously need to be medicated, if I want to go on living. Therefore, I have to be willing to accept some side effects from the medication that allows me to continue breathing. Accepting some side effects, though, is different from accepting those risks blindly, so I choose to inform myself of the risks of the medications I take. Not everyone can make that choice, though.The bottom line is that self censorship won't get us anywhere on this board. I believe that this thread offered valuable information, and I'm glad that it was posted here for us, to add to the sum total of our knowledge of our treatment options. I'm very sorry that it was upsetting for CCUK, but the good of the group as a whole really does outweigh the transient discomfort of a few.
But please -- try to have some compassion for those who are suffering and whose fears are magnified by this sort of post. You understand, from your own history, how irrational mood disorders can make us at time, don't you? Please extend the same compassion to others that you wish others had been able to offer you.
And please forgive me. I'm channeling a mother bear today -- be gentle with crazychick, 'K? She's having a hard time of it.
Posted by Iansf on November 29, 2004, at 2:12:03
In reply to Re: O FOR GOD SAKE ...... see wat i mean? » Iansf, posted by Racer on November 28, 2004, at 12:15:04
> Ian, you seem frustrated by crazychickuk's post, which expresses her own fears about medication side effects, and the dangers of medications. While you and I apparently agree that being informed is the best starting point with medications, not everyone can handle it. >
<What's more, at this point CCUK has been through the mill with meds, and is irrationally frightened of EVERYTHING related to medications. The lack of support she's received from her treatment team has exacerbated her fears, with the result that every potential side effect, no matter how insignificant, takes on much more importance to her. Asking her to approach the potential dangers rationally is unrealistic at this point. >
I WAS frustrated by what she wrote. Other people were - and possibly still are - also going through hell. Yet Crazychick demanded they get off the board and stop upsetting her. If I showed lack of compassion toward her, it's because she showed none toward others. Being in pain does not justify lashing out at other people who are also in pain. Her demands were unreasonable, and I challenged the unreasonableness of those demands.
I actually know very little about her situation. I responded to what she wrote, not to her history, which you did as well in responding to my message. Do you in fact know my situation? How do you know I'm not every bit as upset and suicidal as she is? Yet you expect me to behave in a rational way.
And rightly so. I think we all have the right to expect people on the board to behave reasonably in their messages. All of us. Other people here are this minute going throught the same hell Crazychick is and have an equal, and oftentimes worse, history of frustration. But they're not making wild demands and trying to chase others off the board. Barring psychosis, schizophrenia or something of that nature, it is possible for people to respond with a reasonable level of civility. And to expect that is neither wrong nor uncompassionate.
> What bothers me, though, is that you seem to be scolding her for her fears, which strikes me as being unkind.
>I was not scolding her. I was objecting to what she was asking for, including asking other people who were in distress to stop talking about it or go away. That is something she deserved to be called on.
I realize that people don't always behave sensibly when they're in pain. I've many times struck out blindly or overreacted or done stupid things. But I don't think others who bore the brunt of my behavior were wrong or cruel if they refused to put up with it - or for that matter responded in kind.
It is, in fact, learning how not to overreact in response to my churning emotions that has enabled me to survive into my 50s. Because I've figured out how to hold myself together outside even when I'm racked with pain inside, I've managed to keep my life more or less on track. I can stand at the edge of train platform thinking about jumping yet still get on the train and go to the gym rather than retreating to my home. I can clean the house, meet my work deadlines, pay my bills, water my plants no matter how awful I feel. I've literally curled up on the floor in the corner of the closet because I hurt so much, but I managed to get myself up and do what needs to be done despite the hurt. And I don't think I would have learned how to do this if other people hadn't insisted on generally reasonable behavior. And as a result either I wouldn't be here or I'd still be living in total chaos.
By the way, Crazychick apologized for her messages. She acknowledged she was out of line, and I'm pleased she's feeling at least a bit better. I only wish her good luck finding a way to ease the pain further.
Posted by crazychickuk on November 29, 2004, at 9:46:16
In reply to Re: O FOR GOD SAKE ...... see wat i mean? » Racer, posted by Iansf on November 29, 2004, at 2:12:03
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 29, 2004, at 21:32:37
In reply to Re: O FOR GOD SAKE ...... see wat i mean? » Racer, posted by Iansf on November 29, 2004, at 2:12:03
> she showed [no compassion] toward others... Her demands were unreasonable...
Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.