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New FDA warning may force physicians to rethink prescriptions for antidepressants

Physician Practice Advisor, March 23, 2004

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Advisory on Monday warning physicians and family members involved with depressed patients to monitor them closely when they start taking antidepressants such as Paxil, according to an FDA talk paper.

The recommendation comes after an FDA review of results from studies of antidepressant use in children that suggested a link between starting to take antidepressants and a spike in suicidal thoughts. The FDA advises physicians and family members to watch for an increase in known side effects when taking such drugs, including

* anxiety or panic attacks

* irritability or hostility

* impulsive behavior or severe restlessness

* insomnia

Additionally, the FDA has asked manufacturers to include stronger warnings on 10 antidepressant labels about the need for physicians and caretakers to watch for signs that a depressed patient is growing more depressed or entertaining suicidal thoughts.

Visit www.fda.gov  to read the FDA's talk paper on this topic.

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