Abstract Background Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are commonly used for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Inhibition of serotonin reuptake in platelets increases bleeding risk in patients taking SSRIs. Case Here, we present the case of a 52-year-old patient who developed severe postsurgical bleeding requiring blood transfusion following panniculectomy. Conclusion SSRI-induced bleeding is dose-related and strongly influenced by individual variations in drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Video abstract Supplementary file1 (MP4 8441 KB)