Antidepressant Side Effect Warnings

Antidepressant Side Effect Warnings

 

Further Antidepressant Side Effect Warnings are needed to protect patients. 28 antidepressant medicines do not clearly explain certain side effects – specifically suicidal behaviours, and sexual dysfunction that may continue after the treatment is stopped.

So an Expert Working Group (EWG) of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), are advising the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), on how the potential risks can be communicated to patients within the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

So they are writing more detailed leaflets to warn people. Given the gravity of the side effects isn’t the essential element in consenting a patient, a detailed conversation with the prescribing doctor?

Since untreated depression remains one of the largest risk factors for suicide clinicians should evaluate carefully their patients. They should be cautious with patients at risk to have treatment emergence or worsening of suicidal ideation when prescribing antidepressants to children and young patients.

Should we really be prescribing medicines which have the risk of suicide associated so strongly with it?

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, help is available now. You can call NHS 111 (24 hours every day), Samaritans on 116 123, or text “SHOUT” to 85258. Find more information and support options on the NHS website.