Since the late 1990's, there has been concern over increased risk of suicide in young children and teenagers taking antidepressants. In 2003, it was estimated that nearly ten million antidepressant prescriptions had been written for children and teens under 18.
According to the Food and Drug Administration on October 15, all anti-depressant packaging will be required to possess a "black box" warning, the strongest safety alert from the government. The label warns patients and their families of the antidepressants' link to increased suicidal thoughts and behavior among children and teens taking them. Since some physicians have prescribed antidepressants not approved for use in children, it is important that they now revisit the decision to use these products "off-label".
The anti-depressant group of drugs to carry this "black box" warning label include: Anafranil, Aventyl, Celexa, Cymbalta, Desyrel, Effexor, Elavil, Lexapro, Ludiomil, Luvox, Marplan, Nardil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Parnate, Paxil, Pexeva, Prozac, Remeron, Sarafem, Serzone, Sinequan, Surmontil, Symbyax,Tofranil, Tofranil-PM, Triavil, Vivactil, Wellbutrin, Zoloft and Zyban.
In addition, an information guide will be distributed with each of
these antidepressant prescriptions. Parents of young patients will
be advised to monitor warning signs in children like depression;
talking about feeling suicidal or wanting to die; feeling hopeless,
like nothing will ever change or get better; feeling helpless, that
nothing one does makes any difference; irritability; and strange
changes in behavior.
