A COMMONLY used anti-depressant may actually make sufferers suicidal, according to scientists in a study published today.
Researchers analysed the results of 16 trials involving adults taking the drug paroxetine, mostly sold under the brand name Seroxat. In Scotland, more than 325,000 prescriptions were written for paroxetine in the year to March 2004.
Experts have
previously warned the drug is not suitable for children or adolescents because it leads to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
The latest study, published in the journal BMC Medicine, said these warnings should be extended to adults. However, GlaxoSmithKline, makers of Seroxat, said its own extensive research showed the benefits of using the medication outweighed the risks.
Last year, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA) committee on safety of medicines reviewed Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), the family of drugs to which Seroxat belong. Their report concluded that a modest increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm for SSRIs could not be ruled out, but the benefits for adults outweighed the risks.
But in the new study, researchers at the University of Oslo looked at trials involving adult patients who were given paroxetine or a placebo.
Dr Ivar Aursnes and colleagues carried out a statistical analysis of all the results, taking into account the length of time patients were on the drugs. The studies included a total of 916 patients on paroxetine and 550 patients on a placebo. Overall the researchers found there were seven suicide attempts in the group on paroxetine, and only one in the placebo group.
They concluded: "Patients and doctors should be warned that the increased suicidal activity observed in children and adolescents taking certain anti-depressant drugs may well be present also in adults.
"We also conclude that the recommendation of restrictions in the use of paroxetine in children and adolescents conveyed by regulatory agencies should include usage in adults."
A GlaxoSmithKline spokesman said the company would examine the study, but said its findings were at odds with the results of the clinical trials.
"We take the safety of all our medicines extremely seriously and will, of course, review this study carefully when it becomes available.
"However, we can say these conclusions in no way reflect the picture that has been built up about the benefits and risks of paroxetine in adults through an extensive clinical trials programme involving 24,000 patients or through the use of this medicine in tens of millions of people around the world."
The MHRA last year concluded anti-depressants were frequently over-prescribed to patients and their use should be closely monitored by doctors, particularly in the early stages of treatment. They said there was insufficient evidence from trials to conclude there was any marked difference between the different SSRIs, which also include Prozac, with respect to suicidal behaviour.
An MHRA spokeswoman said: "All new evidence will be carefully reviewed and consideration given to whether it has any implications for the findings of the CSM's Expert Group, and new advice will be issued as appropriate."
Scottish Executive figures show that one in four Scots will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lifetime and 250,000 people are clinically depressed at any one time. More than 3.75 million prescriptions were written for anti-depressants in Scotland in 2002-3.
ORGAN CAMPAIGNTHE BBC is to use its top hospital shows to help a campaign to boost organ donors.
The corporation's week-long DoNation special, which started yesterday, is aimed at encouraging people to talk about what happens to their organs after death and how they could help improve someone else's life.
Professor Robert Winston will present a 12-minute documentary following a special episode combining Casualty and Holby City with an organ donation storyline next Saturday.
The DoNation week will also include personal patient stories and other programmes on TV and radio.
