Adult Suicides Linked to Paxil

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Adult Suicides Linked to Paxil

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A new analysis reports that Glaxo's antidepressant is associated with a

higher risk of suicide in adults.

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August 22, 2005

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A new analysis by Norwegian scientists published on Monday has linked

GlaxoSmithKline's antidepressant Paxil to a higher risk of suicide

attempts in adults.

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The new statistical results, reported in the journal BMC Medicine, are

based on clinical data from 16 trials presented to the world's drug

regulatory agencies in 1989.

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The University of Oslo researchers found seven adult suicide attempts in

patients taking Paxil, but just one attempt in those given a placebo,

adding to evidence suggesting that a group of drugs called SSRIs

(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) carry significant risk.

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Paxil is marketed as Seroxat in the United Kingdom.

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" Although we report a small data set, by taking various priors into

account, the data strongly suggest that the use of SSRIs is connected

with an increased intensity of suicide attempts per year, " said the

study.

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" We also conclude that the recommendation of restrictions on the use of

paroxetine [Paxil] for children and adolescents recently conveyed by

regulatory agencies should be extended to include usage by adults, "

added the researchers.

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The drug's label already includes warnings that short-term studies in

children and adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder and other

psychiatric disorders have shown an increased risk of suicidal thinking

and behavior.

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Conflicting Studies

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However, not all studies of SSRIs have demonstrated a higher risk of

suicide. A study of data from more than 40,000 people published in the

British Medical Journal (BMJ) in February could not find increased risk

of suicide in the group taking Paxil.

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However, it did report " weak evidence " of an increased risk of self-harm

among patients taking the drug, noting that this was likely

underreported by patients.

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" Increased risks of suicide and self-harm caused by SSRIs cannot be

ruled out, " concluded the BMJ paper. " Any such risks should be balanced

against the effectiveness of SSRIs in treating depression. "

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The Norwegian researchers contend, however, that this study did not

properly include data about Paxil, such as the length of time that

patients had been taking the drug.

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" Patients and doctors should be warned, " they wrote.

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GlaxoSmithKline said it is examining the study, and plans to release a

statement Monday regarding it.

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Shares of GlaxoSmithKline were up $0.19 to $48.40 in recent trading.

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