Wednesday, October 29, 2003

F.D.A. Intensely Reviews Depression Drugs
New York Times story - "he Food and Drug Administration issued a public health advisory yesterday that makes clear that the agency has grown increasingly skeptical that there is any link between antidepressant use and the risk of suicide in teenagers and children. ... The F.D.A. plans to convene a panel on Feb. 2 to examine the relationship between suicide and antidepressant drug therapy. The panel will be asked to decide if the drugs should be prescribed to teenagers and children, if the drugs' warnings sections should be changed, and what studies should be done to determine if there is a link between antidepressant use and suicide in teenagers and children. To prepare for the meeting, the agency is undertaking an intensive review of pediatric studies of the drugs. ..." [Viewing New York Times resources requires registration, which is free].