Paxil use in adolescence

[Deleted]

LINK

"A University of Adelaide led study has found that a psychiatric drug claimed to be a safe and effective treatment for depression in adolescents is actually ineffective and associated with serious side effects."

"It wasn't until the data was made available for re-examination that it became apparent that paroxetine was linked to serious adverse reactions, with 11 of the patients taking paroxetine engaging in suicidal or self-harming behaviours compared to only one person in the group of patients who took the placebo," he says. "Our study also revealed that paroxetine was no more effective at relieving the symptoms of depression than a placebo."

[bocaburger]

I've actually heard that's true for a lot of SSRIs during childhood/adolescence. I think all of them are only approved for adults and just used off-label under age 18, and the risk of suicide is much higher at that age. It's terrifying. Sometimes, obviously, necessary... but still terrifying.

[Deleted]

Sept 17, 2015 8:47:11 GMT -5 bocaburger said:

I've actually heard that's true for a lot of SSRIs during childhood/adolescence. I think all of them are only approved for adults and just used off-label under age 18, and the risk of suicide is much higher at that age. It's terrifying. Sometimes, obviously, necessary... but still terrifying.

Yeah. The risk is definitely higher, but the problem with this one is that they inaccurately reported the effectiveness and risk associated with adolescent use. It's scary to think how many more drugs have been FDA approved that have a similar profile. 

[juliayadda]

Sept 17, 2015 17:39:02 GMT -5 @led said:

Sept 17, 2015 8:47:11 GMT -5 bocaburger said:

I've actually heard that's true for a lot of SSRIs during childhood/adolescence. I think all of them are only approved for adults and just used off-label under age 18, and the risk of suicide is much higher at that age. It's terrifying. Sometimes, obviously, necessary... but still terrifying.

Yeah. The risk is definitely higher, but the problem with this one is that they inaccurately reported the effectiveness and risk associated with adolescent use. It's scary to think how many more drugs have been FDA approved that have a similar profile. 

In Canada Paxil is only approved in adults. In 2003, there was a study that indicated that in the first month or so on the drug you needed to be monitored as it increased the risk of suicide.

I have been on paxil for 13 years and I can say that it stopped working effectively. I am going to work with my psych to transition to a new drug soon I hope.

I do credit it with saving my life though all those years ago.