HALIFAX - Health Canada is reviewing data on the anti-depressant
Paxil after warnings that the drug increases the risk of
suicidal impulses in children and adolescents.
Drug regulators in Britain and the United States have slapped
various warnings on the drug. Clinical trials by Paxil's manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline, show that
children given Paxil were one and a half to three times more likely to
have suicidal impulses than those taking placebos.
Although Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have
never approved of the drug for people 18 years and younger, some doctors
prescribe it anyway.
Dr. David Healey, a psychiatrist at the University of Wales College of
Medicine and the author of several books on anti-depressants, does not
think the latest Paxil warnings will stop doctors from prescribing the
drugs for children and teens. But he hopes it will make doctors more
aware and cautious.
"The risk problems really are for people being put on the drugs, and
anyone who's on the drugs and has been doing quite well shouldn't be
worried at being on the drugs," he said.
FROM Jan. 25, 2002: Going off Paxil? Do it slowly
Paxil is one of the most commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs for both
adults and children in Canada, and according to IMS Health statistics,
more than three million prescriptions were filled for the drug in 2000.
Adil Virani, A pharmacy professor, who specializes in child and adolescent
psychiatry, says that's because it's effective. Adil Virani believes doctors will continue to prescribe Paxil for
children.
"About 50 to 60 per cent of the children and adults given these
medications seem to improve with respect to their symptoms of depression
or anxiety," said Virani.
Written by CBC News Online staff
T e l l U s
W h a t Y o u
T h i n k
E-mail us about the news
Copyright � CBC 2003