Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Lesson from the Saga of Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy article at Medscape - "...Some have expressed concern about the consequences of taking away much-needed antidepressants from those who may be benefiting from them. Others ask whether SSRIs truly increase the frequency of suicidality and note that such behavior is a symptom of depression. Little emphasized is the fact that, except for fluoxetine, all SSRIs are no more efficacious than placebo when used in children and adolescents. Thus, it is hard to see why any potential increase in suicidality should be tolerated. This debate has once again raised questions about the practice of non-evidence-based medicine in the pediatric population..." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].