FDA - New Suicide Warnings on Anti-depressants

[Smiling JOe]

May 3, 2007, 12:05AM
FDA opts for stronger anti-depressant warnings
Labels will cite the drugs' risk to people 18 to 24 years old

By DENISE GELLENE
Los Angeles Times

• How many : About 19 million people in the U.S. have depression and 16 million are treated with anti-depressants. • Those affected : People younger than 25 account for about 8 percent of prescriptions.





The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the strongest possible warning for anti-depressants to alert doctors and patients that the drugs could increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in adults 18 to 24.... (full story)

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It seems rather ironic that the anti-depressants increase thoughts of suicide. I think drug the potential problems coming from the side effects of so many drugs, are not worth the benefit gained from the drug.

I wonder if the VT shooter, who was reported to have been taking anti-depressants, affected the FDA's decision??? The article cites many studies leading to their conclusion, but I cannot help to wonder if Cho may have pushed the issue along.

 

[30A Skunkape]

While it is good to be aware of this, I think the data proves that these meds provide benefits that far outweigh the risks involved. I don't even think twice about prescribing them.

 

[Smiling JOe]

While it is good to be aware of this, I think the data proves that these meds provide benefits that far outweigh the risks involved. I don't even think twice about prescribing them.

Perhaps if you look at the larger picture, yes, but tell that to the parents and children of the people whom it does affect. I won't go into personal stories here, but I know many people who suffer from depression, some who self medicate, some who see a Psychiatrist for treatment, and some who just live with it without taking meds. I've spent many nights awake, talking and listening with a loved one who was contemplating suicide and discussing the darkness which they saw everyday in life. You could say that I'm fairly sensitive to this subject.

 

[30A Skunkape]

The thing I remind people about is that the warning applies to an age group that already has a high baseline suicide rate. Throw in depression, and the mix is potentially fatal. The problem is that the SSRIs work perhaps too well...many folks with depression have absolutely no energy or drive to do much. The medication can 'kick in' and improve the listlessness before fully managing depression; If a person depressed to the point of contemplating suicide suddenly finds themself with the energy to carry out the plan, obviously, that is a huge problem. The meds are tools to help (together with a comprehensive depression management plan), and indeed are miracles for thousands of Americans yearly, but success stories tend to stay out of the news.

 

[peapod1980]

While it is good to be aware of this, I think the data proves that these meds provide benefits that far outweigh the risks involved. I don't even think twice about prescribing them.

As a parent, I'd have to think twice about having my adolescent or young adult child getting an Rx for them, though. Anyone who knows me well knows I'm a flag-waving proponent of antidepressant use for adults; I've had to use them at times in my life, and people I love have used and do use them. But knowing they affect young people differently, it would scare the tar out of me to have to make that decision for one of my kids.

 

[30A Skunkape]

As a parent, I'd have to think twice about having my adolescent or young adult child getting an Rx for them, though. Anyone who knows me well knows I'm a flag-waving proponent of antidepressant use for adults; I've had to use them at times in my life, and people I love have used and do use them. But knowing they affect young people differently, it would scare the tar out of me to have to make that decision for one of my kids.

Yes, I do not advocate sending a kid out into the world with a bottle of prozac in tow. My philosophy is that a depressed child warrants a comprehensive team approach including parents and other providers. I was just stating that I did not think the SSRIs are a particularly dangerous class of meds.

 

[peapod1980]

Yes, I do not advocate sending a kid out into the world with a bottle of prozac in tow. My philosophy is that a depressed child warrants a comprehensive team approach including parents and other providers. I was just stating that I did not think the SSRIs are a particularly dangerous class of meds.

Definitely. I'm merely being transparent and saying the prospect of ever having to be part of the decision makes me feel faint.

 

[Beach Runner]

The problem is that many cases of depression are due to a physiological abnormality that is often (or maybe always?) genetic. If the depression is bad enough that the person is dysfunctional, as with most medications one must consider the benefits versus the risks. It's sort of a Catch-22 situation. If the anti-depressant isn't prescribed, the person who needs it might become suicidal, yet one of the potential side effects of an anti-depressant for those twenty-four and under is an increased risk of suicide. It takes regular therapy, as well as the support of family and friends, to make sure that the patient is monitored for any behavioral changes that might suggest suicidal thoughts.

Bottom line: if a person has a diagnosis of depression from a well-qualified psychiatrist, an anti-depressant is a necessary evil, in my humble opinion (as this is not my area of expertise).

 

[30A Skunkape]

The problem is that many cases of depression are due to a physiological abnormality that is often (or maybe always?) genetic. If the depression is bad enough that the person is dysfunctional, as with most medications one must consider the benefits versus the risks. It's sort of a Catch-22 situation. If the anti-depressant isn't prescribed, the person who needs it might become suicidal, yet one of the potential side effects of an anti-depressant for those twenty-four and under is an increased risk of suicide. It takes regular therapy, as well as the support of family and friends, to make sure that the patient is monitored for any behavioral changes that might suggest suicidal thoughts.

Bottom line: if a person has a diagnosis of depression from a well-qualified psychiatrist, an anti-depressant is a necessary evil, in my humble opinion (as this is not my area of expertise).

Most primary care docs can nail the diagnosis easily. There is nothing evil about using efficacious medication when warranted!

 

[Beach Runner]

Most primary care docs can nail the diagnosis easily. There is nothing evil about using efficacious medication when warranted!

I don't know about that. You obviously don't live in a small town where wrong diagnoses are handed out by the default physician in a particular specialty on a regular basis. As far as the word "evil" is concerned, I exaggerated to make a point. I tend to do that.

Bottom line: I agree with you.