SSRI Risk of Suicide Twice That of Placebos
The British Medical Journal reported this week that GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Paxil, recently sent a letter to doctors saying the drug caused a six-fold increase in the risk of suicidal behavior. But Paxil isn't the only SSRI with suicide risks.
An analysis and comment published in the July 8 issue of the BMJ said that current practices and research methods tend to exaggerate the benefits and underestimate the risks of suicide posed by all SSRIs.
The study included a meta-analysis of published trials and found that the likely risk of suicide for patients taking SSRIs compared to a placebo was 2.6 -- more than twice the risk.
The author, David Healy, Professor of Psychiatry at Cardiff University, said bodies like the Food and Drug Administration do not always act in the best interest of patients. Healy said that drugs regulators and manufacturers are "too close".
An analysis and comment published in the July 8 issue of the BMJ said that current practices and research methods tend to exaggerate the benefits and underestimate the risks of suicide posed by all SSRIs.
The study included a meta-analysis of published trials and found that the likely risk of suicide for patients taking SSRIs compared to a placebo was 2.6 -- more than twice the risk.
The author, David Healy, Professor of Psychiatry at Cardiff University, said bodies like the Food and Drug Administration do not always act in the best interest of patients. Healy said that drugs regulators and manufacturers are "too close".
posted by wprescott at 10:40 AM
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