Scientific advisers to the Food and Drug Administration next week are expected to recommend tougher warning labels or other restrictions on antidepressants linked to suicidal behavior in children. A re-analysis of studies, released last month, confirmed that those on antidepressants may be nearly twice as likely to become suicidal as kids given sugar pills, and some drugs appear to raise the risk much more than others.

June 2003: FDA advises doctors not to prescribe Paxil for kids under 18 because of possible rise in suicide risk.
August 2003: Wyeth tells doctors that studies show hostility and thoughts of suicide increase in children 6 to 17 taking Effexor and Effexor XR.

October 2003: FDA sends a "Dear Dr." letter saying studies can't rule out increased suicidal thinking and attempts in children on the antidepressants, urges caution in prescribing.

December 2003: British drug regulators advise doctors to use none of the antidepressants except for Prozac with children, saying it's the only one whose benefits outweigh risks.

http://www.newstarget.com/002916.html


From:
Aftermath News
Top Stories - December 23rd, 2004