Re: Bruising on Sertraline? (Or other SSRIs)
Originally Posted by
Dobbiedoo
5 days ago, I suddenly came out in about half a dozen purple bruises on my arms & legs, a couple of them were huge! It was bizarre, they literally came up simultaneously over the course of one afternoon/evening.
All serotonergic ADs are mild anticoagulants. Blood platelets hold significant quantities of serotonin which are released into injury sites to initiate clotting and healing. Serotonin also helps regulate blood vessel tone, constriction and dilation. SSRIs and other serotonergic ADs reduce the amount of serotonin held in the platelets which causes the anticoagulation effect and may dilate blood vessels which can increase the risk of bruising.
Were you also taking any other medication, prescription or over-the-counter which affect coagulation such as warfarin (Coumadin), dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, ginkgo biloba, ginger, grape seed extract, etc?
Sertraline seems to be the most serotonergic of the SSRIs so your experience doesn't necessarily rule the others out.
I've now missed 4 doses of Sertraline (was on 50mg)
...I came off the drug immediately and fingers crossed, no more bruises since and the original ones are fading fast.
That's a fairly quick response for bruises. I'm wondering if this might have been an allergic reaction and not bruises. ADs can trigger reddish to purple skin rashes, hives, lumps and spots, especially during the first few weeks.
and touch wood no horrible side effects so far.
Withdrawal symptoms are very unlikely after taking an AD for only 5 days. Sertraline plasma levels would have only just stabilised when you stopped taking it.
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.