| Taking antidepressant
drugs could severely jeopardize your health by increasing your risk
of suicide, liver failure and birth defects. Researchers have found
yet another health concern to add to this already extensive list:
abnormal bleeding. Although this bleeding is a side effect of antidepressant
use, patients who are already at a higher risk for bleeding are likely
to be affected even more severely.
Studies indicated that a high risk of bleeding occurred while patients
took antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors,
or (SSRIs). SSRIs prevent re-absorption of serotonin (a chemical
that allows nerve cells in the brain to communicate with one another)
and increase the brain's supply of it. This class of antidepressants
may also block blood platelets from getting necessary serotonin
from the bloodstream, thus increasing the risk of abnormal bleeding.
In light of these findings, the FDA required manufacturers to apply
a "black box" warning -- the strongest warning that can
be issued -- on all antidepressant drug labels. The caution alerted
consumers that taking such drugs could increase suicidal thoughts
and behaviors among children and teenagers.
The risk of being hospitalized for bleeding
was almost three times as high in patients who took the following
drugs:
- Paxil
- Anafranil
- Zoloft
- Prozac
HealthCentral.com
November 22, 2004
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