Fwd: [SSRI-Research] Health Canada warns young patients to check with doctors on antidepressants

February 2, 2004

JustSayNo

Mon, 02 Feb 2004 18:33:59 -0500

[sSRI-Research] Health Canada warns young patients to check with

doctors on

antidepressants

Health - Canadian Press

Health Canada warns young patients to check with doctors on antidepressants

1 hour, 1 minute ago

ealth_antidepressants_cda_1

TORONTO (CP) - Health Canada warned Monday that anyone under 18 who is

taking a newer type of antidepressant should check with their doctor to

confirm " that the benefits of the drug still outweigh its potential risks "

in light of recent safety concerns. The warning applies to drugs know by the

acronyms SSRIs and SNRIs.

" It's a result of international reports that some of these drugs may be

associated with an increased risk of suicide-related events in patients

under 18, " said Jirina Vlk, a Health Canada spokesman.

She said Health Canada asked pharmaceutical companies last August to provide

a review of worldwide safety data for their antidepressants when used by

children. An expert panel is now going over the material Health Canada

received.

Although SSRIs and SNRIs are not approved by Health Canada for use by

children, doctors rely on their knowledge of patients to determine whether

to prescribe them at their discretion in a practice called off-label use.

Health Canada said it does not recommend that pediatric patients discontinue

use of a newer antidepressant without first checking with their doctor.

" Treatment with these drugs should not be abruptly stopped due to the risk

of discontinuation symptoms, " it said.

The advisory applies to the following antidepressants: Wellbutrin, Celexa,

Luvox, Remeron, Paxil, Zoloft and Effexor.

Vlk said Health Canada is monitoring hearings being held in Washington this

week by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (news - web sites) on the

issue of pediatric use of antidepressants.

In December, British health officials advised doctors that SSRIs are not

suitable for children under 18. The FDA has advised doctors to use great

caution if they prescribe any antidepressants to anyone under age 18.

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