May 2, 2007 6:30 pm US/Eastern
Health: Expanded Warnings On Antidepressants
by Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Also in health, millions of people depend on antidepressant medications. But now there are new warnings from the government.
Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl has the details.
The Food and Drug Administration wants to expand warnings on some popular anti depressants about a possible increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.
The proposed new warning labels would be included on all antidepressants, including some popular ones like Paxil and Zoloft.
"We know that anti depressants are effective and that young adults who are depressed should be started on an anti depressant because that is an effective treatment," Dr. Anthony Rostain said.
But the FDA wants young adults beginning antidepressant treatment to be warned of a slight increased risk of suicide
Currently that warning only covers children and adolescents.
The expansion would include 18 to 24-year-olds. Hospital of University of Pennsylvania Psychiatrist Anthony Rostain believes it's a good idea to warn patients of the risk.
However:
"The concern we have is that people hear the warning and will stop prescribing. And that will make it much harder for this population to get the treatment they need," said Dr. Rostain.
Dr. Rostain said medication isn't the only treatment for depression.
"Psychotherapy by a competent professional can be extremely effective," Dr. Rostain said.
And certain lifestyle factors like sleep, diet and exercise, can play an important role in the treatment of depression too.
"Because once you don't sleep properly and you start to not eat properly or not exercise, that tends to make the depression harder to recover from," Dr. Rostain said.
But doctors say there isn't a really effective replacement for the antidepressants. The most important message they say, if you're feeling depressed it's important to get help and medication is a very effective treatment. The new warnings just mean anyone taking them should be aware of the risks and be carefully monitored.
Also, be sure if you are currently taking them that you don't suddenly stop without first talking to your doctor.
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