2014 issue 1

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Volume 30, issue 1

Review article

Bleeding complications in the course of treatment with antidepressants in elderly patients

Adam Wysokiński1, Tomasz Sobów2
1. Klinika Psychiatrii Wieku Podeszłego i Zaburzeń Psychotycznych, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi
2. Zakład Psychologii Lekarskiej, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii, 2014, 1, 29–35
Keywords: antidepressants, bleeding complications, platelets

Abstract

Literature review on bleeding complications in the course of treatment with antidepressants is presented. We have focused on elderly patients since they are in the high risk group. Incidence of bleeding complications, their causal relations with antidepressants, possible risk factors and methods of prevention are discussed. The data indicate that treatment with antidepressants of serotonergic mechanism of action is associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications, which are most frequent in patients treated with SSRIs, venlafaxine, trazodone and tricyclic antidepressants. The lowest risk is associated with agomelatine, bupropion, reboxetine and mirtazapine. Due to possible serious consequences of bleeding complications, clinicians should consider individual risk factors when choosing antidepressive treatment, particularly in elderly patients.

Address for correspondence:
Prof. nadzw., dr hab. Tomasz Sobów
Zakład Psychologii Lekarskiej, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi
ul. Sterlinga 5, 91-425 Łódź, Polska
tel. +48b607b299 236
e-mail: tomasz.sobow@umed.lodz.pl