FDA warning on antidepressants possible suicide, severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks in children and Adults.

The FDA is issuing a warning about the possibility of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts in people who take any of many popular antidepressants.

The FDA is requesting labeling changes on these antidepressants; warning of possible suicide, worsening depression, anxiety, and panic attacks in adults and children. Antidepressants involved in this warning label request are: Prozac (also sold as Fluoxetine), Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, Celexa, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Serzone, Remeron

Russell Katz, with the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation & Research, stated on March 22, 2004 that the proposed warning label will include information about behavioral changes that may occur in patients who are prescribed antidepressant drugs.

Medications may need to be discontinued when symptoms are severe, begin abruptly, or signal a new disorder. Concern is for those also with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Doctors, patients, and family should watch for any signs of mania, including extreme happiness or irritability, inflated ego, decreased sleep, excessive talking, or being more active than normal.

For more see WebMD article by Jeanie Lerche Davis of 3.22.04 at: www.content.health.msn.com/content/article/84/98068.htm