Common Depression and Anxiety Drugs Increase Risk for Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Research Shows
October 08, 2007 by
Research conducted at Wake Forest University School of Medicine has shown a strong link between the use of SSRIs, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and gastrointestinal bleeding. The study
suggests that taking SSRIs could double the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, while the use of NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) pain relievers such as aspirin increased the risk by six-fold.
Dr. Sonal Singh, M.D., senior researcher for the study, advised caution when prescribing the medications. "Clinicians who prescribe these medications should be aware of the potential risk and may need to consider alternatives," said Singh. "In addition, regulatory authorities should consider revising existing package inserts to highlight the magnitude of the risk."
The type of bleeding that has been seen involves the lining of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) digestive tract, and included the esophagus, stomach or upper part of the small intestine. Serious upper GI bleeding can require hospitalization for blood transfusion or other treatments.
Research into the link between SSRIs and gastrointestinal bleeding began because there was little existing information on potential risks. The researchers included the contributing factors of NSAIDs such as Aleve, Celebrex, and aspirin, because the drugs have already been shown to contribute to GI bleeding.
"These findings emphasize the importance of clinicians taking a detailed gastrointestinal history from patients and targeting the use of SSRIs to patients who are at relatively low risk for upper GI bleeding," said Singh.
Data from four studies involving over 150,000 patients was studied, allowing researchers to identify trends that might not appear in isolated studies. Patients taking SSRIs alone were shown to develop GI bleeding twice as often as patients taking none, while patients taking SSRIs and NSAIDs developed bleeding more than six times as often.
Common Depression and Anxiety Drugs Increase Risk for Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Research Shows
Dr. Sonal Singh, M.D., senior researcher for the study, advised caution when prescribing the medications. "Clinicians who prescribe these medications should be aware of the potential risk and may need to consider alternatives," said Singh. "In addition, regulatory authorities should consider revising existing package inserts to highlight the magnitude of the risk."
The type of bleeding that has been seen involves the lining of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) digestive tract, and included the esophagus, stomach or upper part of the small intestine. Serious upper GI bleeding can require hospitalization for blood transfusion or other treatments.
Research into the link between SSRIs and gastrointestinal bleeding began because there was little existing information on potential risks. The researchers included the contributing factors of NSAIDs such as Aleve, Celebrex, and aspirin, because the drugs have already been shown to contribute to GI bleeding.
"These findings emphasize the importance of clinicians taking a detailed gastrointestinal history from patients and targeting the use of SSRIs to patients who are at relatively low risk for upper GI bleeding," said Singh.
Data from four studies involving over 150,000 patients was studied, allowing researchers to identify trends that might not appear in isolated studies. Patients taking SSRIs alone were shown to develop GI bleeding twice as often as patients taking none, while patients taking SSRIs and NSAIDs developed bleeding more than six times as often.
If you suffer from bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, there are a variety of causes some, of which, may not be serious medical conditions.
By Christine Cadena | Published 10/1/2007 | Read more »
A new study finds that antidepressants heighten the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding.
By Sierra Koester | Published 10/21/2007 | Read more »
Anxiety disorder affects millions of young women, but many people don't understand what the condition is or how it can be treated. This article explains what a social anxiety disorder is, how it can be treated and what sufferers can do for help.
By Doris Dadayan | Published 10/26/2005 | Read more »
This article is to assist panic and anxiety sufferers who prefer to not use medication in order to rid themselves of this problem. I offer easy solutions which have worked for me.
By William Robertson | Published 10/26/2006 | Read more »
Social Anxiety is defined as "An experience of fear, apprehension or worry regarding social situations and being evaluated by others."
By Robert Walden | Published 4/11/2007 | Read more »
What is Anxiety?
Over 65 million Americans are living with anxiety. More than 30 million have been diagnosed with clinical anxiety disorders including panic disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Does this include you?
Over 65 million Americans are living with anxiety. More than 30 million have been diagnosed with clinical anxiety disorders including panic disorders, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorders. Does this include you?
By viveca stone-berry | Published 5/23/2006 | Read more »
|
|
Most Comments Today
- Oh No! Michael Jackson's Body and Brain Missing Is Michael Jackson's body and brain missing? According to many websites they... 31 Comments
- Michael Jackson is Missing The casket is missing, where is it? How did it disappear? 31 Comments
- Sarah Palin 2012? Sarah Palin 2012? 29 Comments
- Hot News Quickies - Thursday, July 9, 2009 News happens while you sleep - get your Hot News Quickies here! 28 Comments
- Real Estate: Renting Your Home and Bad Tenants If you decide to rent out your home, do a thorough reference check with previ... 26 Comments
- Every Day Heroes At every disaster, in every community, when people are hurting who are the fi... 24 Comments
M.S.Medina
Posted on 10/08/2007 at 10:10:00 PM