What common over-the-counter medication must be used cautiously with SSRIs due to increased bleeding risk?

Aspirin is an over-the-counter medication that should be used cautiously with SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) due to its blood-thinning properties, which can increase the risk of bleeding. SSRIs are known to inhibit serotonin uptake, and serotonin also plays a role in platelet function. When combined with aspirin, the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or other bleeding complications may be heightened. This interaction makes it important for patients on SSRIs to carefully consider the use of aspirin, especially for long-term therapy.

While other options, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are also nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can increase bleeding risk when taken with SSRIs, aspirin specifically has a well-established mechanism of altering platelet function, making it particularly notable in this context. Acetaminophen, on the other hand, does not have the same impact on platelet aggregation and is generally considered safer regarding bleeding risks with SSRIs.