| Use caution if your child is taking antidepressants. Scientific advisors have warned the FDA that parents and doctors need more explicit warnings that some widely used antidepressants are suspected of causing suicidal behavior in children and teenagers. Current label warnings are not adequate and those that read the warnings are not taking them seriously. Despite the lack of evidence that most antidepressants truly alleviate pediatric depression or the numerous other conditions, such as ADHD, for which they are prescribed, the use of Paxil, Zoloft, and Effexor by children and teenagers is skyrocketing. Symptoms of agitation, anxiety and hostility should be a signal of side effects to an antidepressant drug that has been prescribed. The studies that have been done report that there were no actual suicides, however youths most likely to commit suicide were not allowed to be a part of the studies and there actually have been documented cases of suicide attempts (one successful) of children on Zoloft and Paxil. The only drug approved by the FDA for use with children has been Prozac or Fluoxetine Hydrochloride and the safety and efficacy of this drug for children has not been established. The side effects from this drug are listed as: headache, nervousness, insomnia, drowsiness, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, agitation, sedation, abnormal gait, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, anorexia, dyspepsia, constipation, taste changes, flatulence, gastroenteritis, dysphagia, gingivitis, hot flashes, palpitations, upper respiratory infection, pharyngitis, cough dyspnea, bronchitis, rhinitis (runny nose), urinary frequency, cystitis, urgency, vaginitis, painful menses, sweating, rash, itching, acne, loss of hair, contact dermatitis, weight loss, fever, increased risk of severe reaction if taken with St. John's Wort therapy, and increased and toxic effects if taken with Tricyclic Antidepressants: Amitriptyline (Elavil); Amoxapine (Asendin); Clomipramine (Anafranil); Desipramine; Doxepin; Imipramine (Tofranil); Nortriptyline (Aventil, Pamelor); Protriptyline (Triptil, Vivactil); and Trimipramine (Surmontil). Again, please use caution if antidepressant drugs are prescribed for your child and consider the long-term side-effects. |
| Antidepressants May Cause Suicides |
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