FDA Plans Anti-Depressant Suicide Warning for Those Up to 24 Years Old

Article in the New York Times — FDA May Expand Antidepressant Warning, from the Associated Press:

Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal behavior for people up to age 24, the government said Wednesday. It plans new warning labels and says users of all ages should be closely monitored.

The label change proposed Wednesday would expand a warning now on the antidepressants that applies only to children and adolescents.

The Food and Drug Administration put forth its plan to update the drug labels at a meeting of outside advisers on the issue. The changes also would include a recommendation for careful monitoring, especially when patients are beginning treatment.

Public reaction was split, with some saying the changes were overdue and others arguing they could keep drugs from those who need them.

The Washinton Post published a related article — Antidepressants a Suicide Risk for Young Adults, by Shankar Vedantam.

BGS