( Regulatory warnings regarding the risk ...)Reduction in Antidepressant Leads to Suicidal Risks,Health

Regulatory warnings regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors appear to be associated with reductions in the number of antidepressant medication prescriptions among children and adolescents covered by Tennessees expanded Medicaid program.

Antidepressant medications are frequently used to treat depression among children and teens, but in 2003 data emerged regarding an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior among young patients taking these drugs, according to background information in the article.

In December 2003, the Committee on Safety of Medicines [the U.K. drug regulatory agency] declared the risk-benefit profile of all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (as well as venlafaxine hydrochloride and mirtazapine), with the exception of fluoxetine, to be unfavorable for the treatment of major depressive disorders in children and adolescents, the authors write.

Shortly thereafter in 2004, the Food and Drug Administration convened a Psychopharmacology Advisory Committee meeting in February, issued a public health advisory in March, and in October required black box warning labels for all antidepressants (including fluoxetine) highlighting the potential increase in suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents.

The warning recommended more intense therapeutic monitoring to mitigate these risks but did not suggest avoiding the pediatric use of antidepressants.

Benji T. Kurian, M.D., M.P.H., and colleagues at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tenn., examined monthly antidepressant prescription data among patients age 2 to 17 years covered by the TennCare expanded Medicare program. The study included the 45 months from Jan. 1, 2002, through Sept. 30, 2005, 12 months following the FDA black box warning, the authors write.

The study months were divided into two periods. The period before the regulatory warnings incl
'"/>




Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Reduction in melanoma death rate
2. A Reduction In Calories Found To Yield More Benefits
3. Weight Reduction Surgery Also Treats Metabolic Syndrome
4. Changing Trends Regarding Insurance Cover For Weight Reduction Surgery
5. A Change In Lifestyle Can Help In Weight Reduction
6. Fat isnt all that bad: Reduction no predecessor of reduced disease
7. MP’s Ask for Reduction of VAT on Condoms, Essential Health Ite
8. Drugs plus Awareness Would Facilitate Reduction of HIV Infection
9. Heart Disease Risk Halved By Minimal Cholesterol Reduction
10. Waiting Period Of Over 10yrs For Women Needing Breast Reduction Surgery
11. After Weight Reduction People Opt For Special Plastic Surgery to Tone Their Body