A DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, is a blood clot that most commonly forms in the legs. Many factors contribute to an individual's likelihood of developing a DVT including smoking, obesity, immobility, surgery and pregnancy. MedlinePlus also notes that medications can also increase the risk of developing a DVT. Individuals who are at a higher risk due to their medications should discuss their concerns with a qualified medical professional for advice.
Oral Contraceptives
Birth control pills, or oral contraceptives, increase the risk of developing a DVT. Go Ask Alice of Columbia University explains that estrogen in birth control pills is responsible for causing the blood to clot more easily. The risk is especially increased when cardiovascular disease or other health conditions are present. Women on birth control or who are thinking of starting oral contraceptives should be honest about their personal medical history to help decrease the chance of developing a DVT. Go Ask Alice also notes that doctors can run tests to help determine if an individual is likely to not clot while on birth control pills, but there is no test available to definitively identify patients who will clot.
Hormonal Replacement Therapy
Hormonal replacement therapy is often prescribed to women going through menopause to decrease symptoms such as hot flashes. Although it can be beneficial in helping prevent conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis in menopausal patients, hormonal replacement increases a woman's chance of developing a DVT. According to the Mayo Clinic, hormonal replacement whether given as combined estrogen and progestin or as estrogen alone, the risk increases as much as 18 percent.
Antipsychotic Medications
The Health Education Alliance for Life and Longevity notes that antipsychotic medications increase a person's risk of developing a DVT, even if no other risk factors are present. According to Dr. Gwen Zornberg of the Boston University School of Medicine, the risk of developing a DVT while on these medications is the greatest during the first three months after going on the medication. Patients on these medications are seven times more likely to develop a DVT than patients taking a placebo, notes Zornberg.
