Potential vascular and bleeding complications of treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

B P Skop; T M Brown

doi:10.1016/S0033-3182(96)71592-X

Potential vascular and bleeding complications of treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Psychosomatics. 1996 Jan-Feb;37(1):12-6. doi: 10.1016/S0033-3182(96)71592-X.

Authors

B P Skop¹, T M Brown

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychiatry, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX 78236-5300, USA.

PMID: 8600488
DOI: 10.1016/S0033-3182(96)71592-X

Abstract

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) alter peripheral handling of serotonin, leading to potential side effects. Further, the majority of the body's serotonin is found outside the central nervous system. Peripheral serotonin is important in platelet aggregation and the modulation of vascular tone. SSRIs block platelet uptake and pulmonary endothelial metabolism of serotonin, and use of these agents may conceivably result in bleeding and vasospastic complications.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Endothelium / drug effects
Hemorrhage / etiology*
Humans
Ischemic Attack, Transient / etiology*
Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
Platelet Aggregation / drug effects*
Receptors, Serotonin / drug effects
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects*
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / pharmacology*
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
Serotonin / blood

Substances

Receptors, Serotonin
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
Serotonin