Posted by catachrest on February 18, 2005, at 9:39:43
From CTV news:
Study links SSRIs to increased suicide risk
CTV.ca News StaffAccording to a new study, there's more evidence that some antidepressant drugs could be associated with an increase in suicidal behaviour.
The Canadian study published in the latest edition of the British Medical Journal found that patients taking selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, were twice as likely to commit suicide compared to those taking placebos.
Based on 702 trials representing 87,650 patients with a variety of clinical conditions treated with SSRI anti-depressants, the study's authors say their's is the largest and most comprehensive research effort of its kind.
Although they note that the overall risk of suicide remains low -- equivalent to an increase of 1 additional suicide or attempt for every 800 patients treated -- they warn that the widespread use of such drugs makes it a concern.
According to Ottawa Health Research Institute senior scientist Dr. Paul Hebert, "The risk is small, but the drugs are prescribed in millions of people."
"If the risk is real, the association with suicide is true, then this is a public health concern," he told CTV News, noting the growing popularity of such mood-lifting drugs as Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac.
Not only does the study again raise the alarm over suicide risk, the researchers also suggest the risks could have been detected years ago, if a better drug-monitoring system had been in place.
The Institute's Dean Fergusson says an organized system for tracking the drugs' side effects could have meant warnings for patients a decade ago.
"Should this have been on the radar years ago?" Fergusson asked. "Yes."
SSRIs have been under scrutiny since last year, when British health authorities suggested that many popular antidepressants increased the risk of suicide in young patients.
Health Canada issued its own warning last February, advising those taking the drugs to be sure their doctor believes the benefits outweigh the risks. Since June, the drugs have carried stronger warnings for patients of all ages.
John Starzynski remembers contemplating suicide when he was taking SSRIs. But he suspects the stress in his life at the time was a bigger factor than the drugs.
So, he says, the latest study won't change his reliance on antidepressants.
"Because they help me. Because they keep me functional, they help keep me well."
Dr. Raymond Lam of the Canadian Psychiatric Association notes that the study is still far from conclusive -- and doesn't change the standard advice offered with such drugs.
"The vast majority of patients will improve," as doctors closely monitor their progress, Lam said, "And so too will their suicidal ideas."
SSRIs work by making a naturally-occurring chemical called serotonin more available in the brain. A lack of serotonin is thought to play a key role in depression and anxiety.
The study, conducted at the research arm of the Ottawa Hospital, was funded in part by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
With files from CTV's Avis Favaro
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