FDA Suicide Warning for Antidepressants: Is it the right decision?
Despite a lack of convincing scientific evidence that antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide in adults, the FDA asked manufacturers of 10 antidepressant/SSRI drugs to add suicide-related warnings on their labels.
Clarenville, NL (PRWEB) April 2, 2004 - Recently, the Food and Drug Administration asked manufacturers of 10 antidepressant/SSRI drugs to add suicide-related warnings on their labels. Is this a rational move?
Despite several reports and concerns about SSRIs and newer antidepressants, there is a lack of convincing scientific evidence that antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide in adults. Perhaps the FDAs decision was a political and a 'safe move," says Dr. Rayel. FDAs decision came after families of children involved in suicide testified during a hearing and appealed for strong warnings.
Indeed, this is a very difficult issue that FDA and the public should contend with. Clinical depression in itself causes suicidality. Knowing the exact contribution of medication is not easy," Dr. Rayel adds. Meanwhile scientific and perhaps public debate is necessary to resolve the issue.
| | - Michael Rayel, author of First Aid to Mental Illness: A Practical Guide for Patients and Caregivers, is concerned about the implication of suicide warnings. Im worried that those extremely depressed adults who badly need help might not try antidepressants for fear they will get worse. And those who are already on the pill might stop taking it," he continued.
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Treatment adherence is important in the successful management of clinical depression. He hopes that such warning will not interfere with treatment. Dr. Rayel further states that one of the ways that suicide can be prevented among seniors and adults is through early treatment of the illness by the use of psychotherapy or if necessary medication.
| | - Rayel is an advocate of mental health first aid through the CARE Approach. In addition to his certification in Clinical Psychopharmacology, he is also board certified in General, Forensic, and Geriatric Psychiatry.
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