Antidepressants Use Prior to Surgery Can Result in Severe Complications

A study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (January 2009) has found that the use of antidepressant medication prior to surgery may have potentially harmful effects on patients undergoing cosmetic surgical procedures. The study identified a number of harmful, intraoperative risks, ranging from increased bleeding to fatal interactions. It is recommended that patients consult with their prescribing physician, and stop the antidepressants for at least two weeks prior to surgery.