Posted by Phillipa on October 10, 2007, at 19:45:05
In reply to Re: Antidepressants and bleeding » Phillipa, posted by Phillipa on October 10, 2007, at 19:37:49
Oh wow SSRI's and other categories can indeed cause stokes. Phillipa
This article is from the WebMD
Feature Archive
Combining Common Meds May Cause StrokeBy Michael Smith, MD
WebMD Feature Reviewed By Gary Vogin, MD
Jan. 7, 2002 -- Doctors already suspected potential problems could arise from combining drugs that affect the brain chemical called serotonin. And now there are reports of severe headache and even stroke from combining some very popular drugs.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston reported on three people who developed a sudden, very severe headache and brain changes after taking two or more drugs that affect serotonin levels.
Serotonin is an important chemical messenger found in the brain and throughout the body. Some drugs -- such as antidepressants -- work by increasing levels of serotonin , while others cause the chemical to rise as a side effect.Increased levels of serotonin in the body are known to cause the blood vessels to narrow. When this narrowing occurs in the brain, it can lead to headaches and even strokes from a lack of oxygen and nutrients.
In each of the three people, the researchers were unable to find any cause for their symptoms other than a serotonin overload in the body.
According to the researchers, there is a long list of drugs that can potentially affect serotonin levels in the brain and body. They include:
Newer antidepressants called "SSRIs" -- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (examples are Celexa, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft)
Migraine medicines called "triptans" (examples are Amerge, Axert, Imitrex, Maxalt, and Zomig)
Diet pills
Amphetamines
St. John's wort -- an herbal supplement commonly used to treat depression
Illicit drugs, including ecstasy (MDMA), cocaine, and methamphetamine (speed, crank, ice, crystal)All three people in this study were taking two or more of the above substances.
The researchers also caution about the affect of combining any of these substances with other drugs that can cause narrowing of blood vessels, such as the decongestant pseudoephedrine -- found in many over-the-counter cold and allergy remedies.
The researchers are not saying that you should absolutely not take two or more of these medications at the same time. But they do suggest discussing with your doctor any potential side effects from taking a combination of the drugs. In addition, if you experience a sudden, unexplained headache, your doctor should consider a combination of these drugs as a potential cause.
poster:Phillipa
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071009/msgs/788369.html