Effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on platelets in patients with coronary artery disease

The inhibitory effects of SSRIs on platelet function observed in our study may be directly related to the association between treatment of depression and improved outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. In recognizing antiplatelet properties of SSRIs, their combination with thienopyridines and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors should be considered with caution. Future strategies must consider safe approaches to protect platelets from extensive activation, and for these purposes SSRIs may represent an optimal class of dual agents treating depression and simultaneously inhibiting platelets.