Antidepressants in Children

This letter is to inform you of recent developments regarding the use of antidepressant drugs in children and adolescents. On October 15, 2004; the U.S. FDA issued a Public Health Advisory regarding antidepressants to warn the public about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children being treated with these medications. This warning does not specifically state that antidepressants cannot be used, but that the need outweigh the risk. It is thought that patients with depression are at risk of suicidal behavior as the depression improves. This improvement may be followed by the energy that a person may not have had before. In the near future a “MedGuide” will be distributed with each refill of medication. This MedGuide will contain information about the risks. The information that will be distributed will include the following:

• Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidality in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders.
• Use of medication should balance this risk with the need for the medication.
• Anyone started on medication should be observed for clinical worsening, suicidality or unusual changes in behavior.
• Families and caregivers should closely observe for signs of problems and communicate with your doctor.
• Whether or not the medication is FDA approved for children and adolescents.

The following FDA Link provides more information:
http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/antidepressants/Q&A_antidepressants.htm