On March 22, 2004 the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) released a health advisory warning concerning the use of the newer antidepressant medications. Before an antidepressant drug is made available to the public, it is subjected to several clinical trials assessing the medication’s effectiveness and safety. The warning was based on a recent review of clinical trials and other reports examining the use of antidepressant drugs with children. According to the FDA, although no suicides occurred during the clinical trials, concerns have been raised about potential suicidal thoughts and behaviors that reportedly occurred during the clinical trials. The FDA is planning to conduct a more thorough review. In the meantime, they are urging medical practitioners, parents, and patients to be more vigilant about monitoring any increase in depressive symptoms including suicidal thoughts and behaviors among persons taking antidepressants. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors contact your physician or mental health provider immediately.

If you are currently taking antidepressant medication this warning does not mean that you should stop or that you should not consider taking antidepressants to treat depression. If you are experiencing depressive symptoms, you are more likely to experience a reduction in your symptoms if you take antidepressant medication rather than no medication at all. There is still a greater risk of suicide for depression that is untreated. To read more about the FDA’s report select the link below.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2004/ANS01283.html

If you have any questions or concerns or in the event of an emergency, please contact Counseling and Consultation at (480) 965-6146. After hours contact EMPACT at 480-921-1006 or call 911.