A study consisting of 2,800 adults and children that involved the
evaluation of four antidepressants, found that these drugs were
more likely to lead to suicidal tendencies during the initial days
when patients were placed on the medication. The study, however,
didn't reveal any distinctions in risk between newer and older medications.
Results of the Study
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts were four times more likely to
occur during the initial 10 days of being put on the antidepressant
than after three months of taking the medication
- The likelihood of suicide was 40 times higher in the early stages
of treatment
- 17 participants of the study committed suicide and were all
over the age of 19
Some doctors argued that the suicide attempts were the result of
the medication supplying a depressed person with just enough energy
to follow through on the suicidal thoughts they may have already
been having.
Relatives of the suicide victims on the other hand disagreed and
blamed the medications themselves for the suicide attempts.
Experts claimed that the majority of serotonin-affecting antidepressants
weren't safe for children to take. Evidence of the potential dangers
of these antidepressants in children could be seen in the lawsuit
placed against the manufacturers of Paxil. The lawsuit was the result
of concealing studies showing that the drug caused potential suicidal
tendencies in children. The FDA has also taken a closer examination
of antidepressants and has begun an investigation of 10 antidepressant
drugs. They are proposing that these drugs include stronger warning
labels detailing possible risks associated with the medication.
KDKA
July 20, 2004
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