Antidepressants Linked to Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Scott Kappes

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A new study out of Spain has tied a popular class of antidepressant medications, which includes Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, and Prozac, to yet another dangerous side effect. The class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) that has previously been linked to suicidal ideation, birth defects, and even suicide, has now been linked to an increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

The study, involving almost 12,000 people, found that bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract is more common among people taking SSRIs than those not taking the medication. Researchers did however stress that the risk was relatively low and said that in patients being correctly medicated the benefits of the medication will most likely outweigh the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

"The risk in the general population taking SSRIs is very low -- 1 case in 2,000 patients treated -- and no specific action is required if the antidepressant is correctly indicated by a physician," Dr. Francisco de Abajo of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Healthcare Products, who helped lead the study in the Archives of General Psychiatry, said by e-mail.

The study also showed evidence that acid suppressing medications reduce GI bleeding risks. The authors of the study recommended that patients with relevant risks factors for GI bleeding consider combating the risks by taking acid suppression medication.

Conveniently, the study was funded by Astrazeneca, the makers of the blockbuster acid suppression medications, Nexium and Prilosec.