Aspirin, SSRI's and GI bleeding

[Mike Dura]

Independently, both aspirin and SSRI's (e.g., paxil) can cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding or ulceration. If taken together, I'm wondering if the chance of GI bleeding is increased.

In the case of aspirin, the risk of GI bleeding is dose dependant. At higher daily doses (i.e., greater than 300 mgs) there is a 2.4% chance of bleeding and some bleeding in 4% of the cases.

This has me concerned as I'm doing an ECA stack and I also take an SSRI (i.e., Lexipro). So far, I don't see black stools which are indicative of bleeding but I also read that bleeding can be asymptomatic. I did some research on this online but I didn't find too much on this. Does anyone have any info on this?

[Mike Dura]

Is there something less caustic to the stomach lining that can replace aspirin (e.g., willow bark extract)?

[flexin-rph]

If it makes you feel more comfortable...this is a fairly rare phenomena. You should be o.k. as long as you are not having stomach pain or black, tarry stools.

[Mike Dura]

But I read that GI bleeding can be asymptomatic (without symptoms). So looking for symptoms or going by how you feel is inadequate.

If it makes you feel more comfortable...this is a fairly rare phenomena. You should be o.k. as long as you are not having stomach pain or black, tarry stools.