Which medication is known to increase the risk of bleeding?

The medication known to increase the risk of bleeding is Prozac, which is an antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. SSRIs, including Prozac, can lead to increased bleeding risks primarily because they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, which can affect platelet function. Lower levels of serotonin may impair the ability of platelets to aggregate, leading to an increased tendency to bleed, especially in individuals on anticoagulants or those with existing bleeding disorders.

Dilantin is primarily an anticonvulsant medication and does not inherently increase bleeding risk. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can indirectly affect bleeding risk, primarily through immunosuppression or by causing gastrointestinal side effects, but it is not directly linked to increased bleeding like SSRIs. Claritin is an antihistamine that does not have any recognized impact on bleeding risk. Understanding the mechanisms behind these medications helps clarify their effects on bleeding and informs patient management.