WASHINGTON — Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal behavior for people up to age 24, the government said Wednesday. It plans new warning labels and says users of all ages should be closely monitored. The label change proposed Wednesday would expand a warning now on the antidepressants that applies only to children and adolescents. The Food and Drug Administration put forth its plan to update the drug labels at a meeting of outside advisers on the issue. The changes also would include a recommendation for careful monitoring, especially when patients are beginning treatment. Public reaction was split, with some saying the changes were overdue and others arguing they could keep drugs from those who need them. In emotional testimony illustrated at times by slides of family photos, relatives of suicide victims pleaded for the new warnings. Suzanne Gonzalez, shouting and in tears, goaded the panel to action, telling the experts that her 40-year-old husband who had been taking Paxil shot himself. ‘I wake up every morning thinking, ‘Oh my God, he’s dead. He is freaking dead.’ Do you wake up and think, ‘How many people are going to die today because I am doing […]
Thursday, December 14th, 2006
FDA May Expand Antidepressant Warning
Author:
Source: Business Week
Publication Date: ANDREW BRIDGES
Link: FDA May Expand Antidepressant Warning
Source: Business Week
Publication Date: ANDREW BRIDGES
Link: FDA May Expand Antidepressant Warning
Stephan: FDA on the use of antidepressants in children, adolescents and adults:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/default.htm