by Playfuls Staff |
13th May 2006
The manufacturer of Paxil has notified doctors that the anti-depressant may increase the likelihood that young adults might attempt suicide. [more]
GlaxoSmithKline said the information, which will be included on Paxil`s warning label, is based on a clinical trial involving 15,000 patients, The New York Times reported. While there were few suicide attempts among those taking either Paxil or a placebo, there were significantly more among the Paxil group.
Only one patient in the trial actually committed suicide.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration required warnings in 2004 that anti-depressants increase suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers.
'We are recommending that consumers and prescribers follow current advice to carefully observe adults being treated with anti-depressants for worsening of depression and for increased suicidal thinking and behavior,' the FDA said in a statement on the new warning. 'It is essential that patients taking Paxil do not suddenly stop taking their medication.'
© 2006 by UPI
