Posted by Sunnely on June 15, 2001, at 0:40:40
In reply to Effexor and menstruation, posted by jenny on June 14, 2001, at 15:39:34
Hi Jenny,
SRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which enhance the action of serotonin have been reported to cause menorrhagia (heavy menstrual flow) and other menstrual problems. More cases have been reported with Prozac than the others.
Aside from abnormal menstrual bleeding, other adverse reactions reported include easy bruising, nose bleeding, bleeding ulcers, bleeding internal hemorrhoids, and petechiae (reddish small skin spots).
The exact mechanism as to how this bleeding tendencies due to SRIs occur is not known. However, it was opined that it may be related to the SRIs' effect on serotonin. Under nomal circumstances, platelets (blood particles responsible for clotting) release serotonin at the site of blood vessel tears, leading to further platelet aggregation and vasodilation. This permits sealing of the tear stopping the bleeding. It appears that the SRIs block the reuptake of serotonin into the platelets which leads to decreased serotonin to be released by the platelets into the site of bleeding.
The following case report illustrates bleeding tendency which appeared to be related to Effexor. A 19-year-old woman developed spontaneous bruisings on her arms a week after beginning Effexor, 50 mg twice a day. She had no personal or family history of any bleeding disorder nor any medical condition. Her clotting factors and platelet count were noted to be within normal limits. Once Effexor was stopped, her bruisings resolved over 10 days.
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> I was just wondering if any females on effexor have noticed a difference in their cycles? I have been taking 75mg of Effexor xr for @ one year and I don't know if it is the cause of my problem. I have periods that are light and seem to last forever. I have had light bleeding off and on for @ 3 weeks or so now. Is anyone else noticing a difference in their cycles????
poster:Sunnely
thread:66493
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010612/msgs/66534.html