SSRIs and suicide risk

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They include paroxetine (brand name Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac). After 2003 authorities in the U.S. and Europe sent out warnings about their use following clinical trials which showed the drugs increased the risk of suicide in teenagers and children. A review of eight large studies involving more than 200,000 participants by researchers at the University of Verona has confirmed that the drugs do seriously raise the suicide risk for children. However, the study also found that SSRIs reduced the suicided risk for adults by 40% and for older adults by 50%.

You can find out more about this research at

http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE5115YF20090202?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews&sp=true