Originally published July 18 2005
FDA warns antidepressants use could cause suicidal thoughts
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The FDA warns that adults taking antidepressants must be closely monitored for possible suicidal tendencies since people taking antidepressants may have a higher risk for suicidal thoughts than the rest of the population.
The US Food and Drug Administration has issued new guidelines saying that adults who take anti-depressants must be closely watched for potential suicidal tendencies.
The warning, placed on the FDA's Internet site Friday, is stronger than an earlier one issued on March 2004.
The regulatory agency cites new publications in saying that people who are taking anti-depressants have a higher risk for suicidal thoughts than the general population.
It proposes labeling anti-depressant drugs with specific warnings to say adults using them require closer attention for signs their depression may be worsening, and for increased suicidal thinking or behavior.
In 2004, the FDA called on pharmaceutical laboratories to place the strongest warnings on its packaging, with a black box on labels of anti-depressants that have shown possible links to suicidal tendencies in children.
Among pharmaceutical companies manufacturing anti-depressants, Zoloft maker Pfizer said that it already issued warnings for adults taking the drug for depression to be monitored closely.
The FDA said on its website that Eli Lilly's drug Cymbalta, authorised for use as an anti-depressant, had produced higher than normal levels of suicidal tendencies during clinical trials.
However, Eli Lilly defended its product, saying that the 14 suicide attempts out of 12 000 people who took part in the trials was similar to the national average.
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