Health Canada warns on anti-depressants for children.

OTTAWA -- Health Canada issued a warning to the public and doctors on its Web site about the potential risks faced by 18 year olds or under who have been prescribed newer anti-depressants. Warnings about these risks first surfaced in 2000 when a British Researcher gave a speech in Toronto on the harmful side effects of anti-depressants on teenagers and children, and both Britain and the United States have already taken steps to curtail their use.

David Healey, director of the North Wales Department of Psychological Medicine noted the link between the new antidepressants-Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors or SSRI'S and Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors or SNRI'S--and an increased risk of suicide and violent behaviour in teenagers or children, who were prescribed the drugs.

At a conference in Ottawa, Dr. Healy said since 1988 over-prescription of the new generation of anti-depressants caused between 2000 and 7000 suicides in Canada. As well, in his testimony at public hearings in the United States where the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has appointed an advisory panel to look into the drugs, Dr. Healy was highly critical of the volume of prescriptions for these powerful drugs, particularly for children and teenagers. However, he also said the answer is more information and not an outright ban.

"I think these drugs have a place, even in this age group, but my ability to use these drugs safely is going to be enhanced if they come with the right warnings," he said.

Health Canada advises Canadians on its Web site that patients under 18 years of age who are taking this new generation of anti-depressants "should consult their treating physician to confirm the benefits of the drug still outweigh its potential risks in light of recent safety concerns."

Health Canada also notes that although these drugs are not approved for use by children or teenagers, they can be prescribed "off-label use" by doctors. As well, the agency will soon have its own advisory panel to examine the issue, but pubic hearings are not expected.

www.hc-sc.gc.ca