Older people being prescribed an antidepressant need to be monitored carefully for side effects and be aware of an increased risk of falls and fractures. Antidepressants can also exacerbate hyponatraemia, especially with other risk factors such as diuretic use.¹⁴

For women in the late stages of pregnancy, SSRIs and SNRIs can increase bleeding risks due to their effect on platelet function. Using these antidepressants during the month before delivery may result in a small increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage.¹⁹

Prescribers should already have taken this into consideration, assessing bleeding and thrombotic risks during the peripartum period as well as the benefits of antidepressants for the patient’s mental health during this time. Pharmacists may want to follow up on this during an NMS if appropriate.