Menu
22/08/2005
Concerns rise over antidepressant suicide risk
A new study has raised further concerns about possible suicide risks associated with one of the UK’s most widely prescribed anti-depressants.
A team of researchers at the University of Oslo studied the results of 16 trials involving the drug Seroxat, also known as paroxetine, which is one of a group of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors).
The research, published in the Biomed Central journal, involved tests on almost 1,500 patients – 916 were given paroxetine and 550 were given placebos (dummy pills).
The team found that there were seven suicide attempts in the group taking the paroxetine, compared to only one attempt in the placebo group.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that Seroxat should not be given to under-eighteens due to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, last year.
The Norwegian researchers warned that the increased suicidal behaviour seen in adolescents and children taking certain anti-depressants could be seen in adults as well. The report said: “The recommendation of restrictions in the use of paroxetine in children and adolescents conveyed by regulatory agencies lately should include usage in adults.”
However, although the MHRA said that the risk of increased suicidal thoughts while using SSRIs could not be ruled out, it said that the benefits of using the drugs outweighed the risks.
The makers of Seroxat, GlaxoSmithKline, said that the drug had helped millions of people and also claimed that their own research showed that the benefits of the drug outweighed the risks.
However, mental health charity Mind said that research it conducted into Seroxat use indicated that half of the users had experienced feelings of wanting to self-harm or commit suicide. Fifty-eight per cent of these people had not experienced these feelings before using Seroxat, the charity claimed.
Sophie Corlett, policy director of Mind, said: “This study would seem to be an extremely worrying addition to growing evidence raising serious concerns over the safety of Seroxat. It confirms what Mind service users have long been telling us anecdotally, information that has led us to campaign strongly on the issue for a number of years.
“By ignoring what mental health service users themselves have said about the medication and its effects, the drugs regulators may well have caused lives to be lost.”
(KMcA/SP)
A team of researchers at the University of Oslo studied the results of 16 trials involving the drug Seroxat, also known as paroxetine, which is one of a group of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors).
The research, published in the Biomed Central journal, involved tests on almost 1,500 patients – 916 were given paroxetine and 550 were given placebos (dummy pills).
The team found that there were seven suicide attempts in the group taking the paroxetine, compared to only one attempt in the placebo group.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said that Seroxat should not be given to under-eighteens due to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, last year.
The Norwegian researchers warned that the increased suicidal behaviour seen in adolescents and children taking certain anti-depressants could be seen in adults as well. The report said: “The recommendation of restrictions in the use of paroxetine in children and adolescents conveyed by regulatory agencies lately should include usage in adults.”
However, although the MHRA said that the risk of increased suicidal thoughts while using SSRIs could not be ruled out, it said that the benefits of using the drugs outweighed the risks.
The makers of Seroxat, GlaxoSmithKline, said that the drug had helped millions of people and also claimed that their own research showed that the benefits of the drug outweighed the risks.
However, mental health charity Mind said that research it conducted into Seroxat use indicated that half of the users had experienced feelings of wanting to self-harm or commit suicide. Fifty-eight per cent of these people had not experienced these feelings before using Seroxat, the charity claimed.
Sophie Corlett, policy director of Mind, said: “This study would seem to be an extremely worrying addition to growing evidence raising serious concerns over the safety of Seroxat. It confirms what Mind service users have long been telling us anecdotally, information that has led us to campaign strongly on the issue for a number of years.
“By ignoring what mental health service users themselves have said about the medication and its effects, the drugs regulators may well have caused lives to be lost.”
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 May 2014
Nice Suggests More Midwife-Led Home Births
Women who are healthy and experiencing a 'straight forward' (low risk) pregnancy should be encouraged to give birth in a midwife-led unit rather than a traditional labour ward, according to draft proposals from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Nice Suggests More Midwife-Led Home Births
Women who are healthy and experiencing a 'straight forward' (low risk) pregnancy should be encouraged to give birth in a midwife-led unit rather than a traditional labour ward, according to draft proposals from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
07 May 2014
Jobseekers Risk Losing Benefits If They Turn Down Zero-Hour Contracts
SDLP Omagh Council candidate Joanne Donnelly has expressed disappointment after news jobseekers risk losing their benefits if they turn down certain zero-hours contracts without good reason.
Jobseekers Risk Losing Benefits If They Turn Down Zero-Hour Contracts
SDLP Omagh Council candidate Joanne Donnelly has expressed disappointment after news jobseekers risk losing their benefits if they turn down certain zero-hours contracts without good reason.
16 August 2011
Fatal Roof Fall Leads To Prosecution
Satellite TV installation firm Foxtel Ltd, has been prosecuted following the death of a worker who fell while carrying out work on a roof. Engineer Noel Corbin, 29, from New Addington, Croydon, suffered fatal head injuries after falling 13.5 metres from a four-storey house onto a side patio in Belsize Park, London on 3 February 2008.
Fatal Roof Fall Leads To Prosecution
Satellite TV installation firm Foxtel Ltd, has been prosecuted following the death of a worker who fell while carrying out work on a roof. Engineer Noel Corbin, 29, from New Addington, Croydon, suffered fatal head injuries after falling 13.5 metres from a four-storey house onto a side patio in Belsize Park, London on 3 February 2008.
18 October 2010
HSE Welcomes Lord Young's Report
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warmly welcomed the publication of Lord Young’s report into health and safety.
HSE Welcomes Lord Young's Report
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warmly welcomed the publication of Lord Young’s report into health and safety.
10 December 2009
Swine Flu Deaths 'Less Than Expected'
New data, published today, has shown that anticipated deaths from swine flu are lower than were first anticipated. The British Medical Journal's website, bmj.com, reveals that there were 26 deaths out of every 100,000 cases of swine flu in England (a fatality rate of 0.026%).
Swine Flu Deaths 'Less Than Expected'
New data, published today, has shown that anticipated deaths from swine flu are lower than were first anticipated. The British Medical Journal's website, bmj.com, reveals that there were 26 deaths out of every 100,000 cases of swine flu in England (a fatality rate of 0.026%).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
