Psychiatric News November 5, 2004
Volume 39 Number 21
© 2004 American Psychiatric Association
p. 48
Text of Black-Box Warning
Suicidality in Children and Adolescents
Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior
(suicidality) in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD)
and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of [Drug Name] or
any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with
the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be observed
closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.
Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation
and communication with the prescriber. [Drug Name] is not approved for use in
pediatric patients except for patients with [Any approved pediatric claims
here]. (See Warnings and Precautions: Pediatric Use)
Pooled analyses of short-term (4 to 16 weeks) placebo-controlled trials of
nine antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others) in children and adolescents with
MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders (a
total of 24 trials involving over 4400 patients) have revealed a greater risk
of adverse events representing suicidal thinking or behavior (suicidality)
during the first few months of treatment in those receiving antidepressants.
The average risk of such events on drug was 4%, twice the placebo risk of 2%.
No suicides occurred in these trials.
Related Article:
-
FDA Issues Controversial Black-Box Warning
- Jim Rosack
Psychiatr News 2004 39: 1-48.
[Full Text]
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