Multiple studies have reported that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke; however, this finding may be the result of a confounding by indication.
Research shows that use of popular antidepressants is linked to an increased risk of some strokes caused by bleeding in the brain, but that the risk is low, according to a multi-study analysis published in the October 17, 2012, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Gorelick discussed the stroke risk associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, vitamin E, statins, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and testosterone replacement therapy. “These drugs have a small risk of stroke, but there is a risk of stroke,” said Dr. Gorelick.
Recently, there have been reports of increased chances of bleeding associated with escitalopram and other SSRIs. this is even translated to an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke with its use.
Hackam found that people taking SSRIs were about 40% or 50% more likely than those not on the drugs to have strokes known as intracranial hemorrhages or intracerebral hemorrhages.
"It's our hypothesis that the serotonin is important and if you get too much serotonin activity, you get narrowing of the blood vessels that could lead to stroke."
SSRIs (eg, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline) work at the level of the synapse by blocking serotonin reuptake. SSRIs are generally considered first-line agents for PSD due to their greatest levels of tolerability in the general population.
Common side effects of Lexapro include nausea, sexual side effects, and insomnia. For some people, these go away as your body gets used to the medication. More serious side effects of Lexapro are rare. These include suicidal thoughts or behaviors, abnormal bleeding, and serotonin syndrome.
To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of escitalopram. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
Depression and antidepressant use are associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a life-threatening condition in which blood clots form in the veins of legs or lungs.
High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and is the main cause for increased risk of stroke among people with diabetes.
Warfarin and heparin are common examples. There are also medicines called direct oral anticoagulant and these include: Apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), edoxaban (Lixiana, Savaysa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Anticoagulants are aggressive drugs.
Study participants who reported the highest stress levels were 33% more likely to have a stroke than those who felt less anxious or stressed. The greater the anxiety level, the higher the stroke risk, but even modest increases raised stroke risk.
Depression May Double the Risk of Having a Stroke. Study reveals that persistent depression may increase stroke risk even after the symptoms of depression go away. As if depression isn't serious enough, it's now linked to stroke.
Escitalopram is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Ask your doctor about taking this medicine if you are pregnant. Taking an SSRI antidepressant during late pregnancy may cause serious medical complications in the baby.
High doses of the antidepressants citalopram (Celexa) and escitalopram (Cipralex, Lexapro) do not appear to carry greater risk of sudden cardiac death than comparable doses of other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, according to a new study.
A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lexapro may increase suicidal thoughts or actions. This risk is higher in in children, teenagers, or young adults. This is more likely to happen within the first few months of treatment or during dosage changes.
There are several reasons why people decide to stop taking SSRIs like Lexapro. Some people may find the medication does not work, they experience unwanted side effects or they become immune to the medication.
You may be tempted to stop taking antidepressants as soon as your symptoms ease, but depression can return if you quit too soon. Clinicians generally recommend staying on the medication for six to nine months before considering going off antidepressants.
Escitalopram is a commonly used antidepressant. Antidepressants are safe for short-term use. However, prolonged use can cause side effects with previously undetected clinical risks.
Some of the most common drugs that can lead to a stroke are cocaine, amphetamines and methamphetamine. There are also certain prescription medications that can increase the risk of stroke, such as birth control pills, blood pressure medications and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Certain types of antidepressants might be better than others for treating PTSD because they carry a lower risk of stroke, according to a new study. The research, published Thursday in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, looked at data from 1.1 million U.S. veterans.