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Paxil
is used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. |
British government advisors have ruled that children under the
age of 18 years should not take the antidepressant Paxil due
to concerns that it may cause suicidal behavior.
The decision comes after a review by the Committee on Safety
of Medicines (CSM) found that the drug’s risks outweighed
its benefits. The review was based on a study by the makers
of Paxil, GlaxoSmithKline.
The study found that Paxil was not effective at treating
depression in young people under the age of 18 years. Further,
results from studies of more than 1,000 children suggested
that those taking Paxil were at least twice as likely to have
suicidal or self-harm thoughts compared to children with similar
mental health problems who were not taking the drug.
Paxil--one of the world’s best-selling pharmaceuticals--belongs
to the same class of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
as Prozac. It generated global sales of $3.40 billion in 2002.
In the UK, about 4 million prescriptions for Paxil were issued
in 2002, and about 8,000 individuals under the age of 18 years
have been treated with the drug in the past year.
While Paxil is not licensed for use in those under 18 years
of age, doctors can prescribe it to these individuals if they
deem it necessary.
Researchers concluded that Paxil should no longer be prescribed
to children under 18 years of age, and anyone in this age
group who is currently taking Paxil should consult a physician.
Studies are being conducted to determine whether these findings
apply to the use of Paxil in adults, although there is currently
no evidence linking suicidal behavior in adults with antidepressant
drugs.
BBC
News June 10, 2003
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