Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced disturbances of haemostasis - Mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Abstract

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) has important peripheral functions that include roles in platelet function, primarily in aggregation and modulation of vascular tone. Platelet serotonin is derived predominantly via uptake from the enterochromaffin system. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) substantially reduce platelet serotonin stores via uptake inhibition. SSRIs are associated with infrequent clinical reports of haemostatic dysfunction, primarily easy bruising. These clinical reports have not, however, been paralleled by prospective studies, which have not found any disturbances in haemostatic function secondary to SSRI therapy. SSRI- associated haemostatic dysfunction ap..