Paxil and Suicide

As with all antidepressants, there may be an increased risk of suicidal behavior when taking Paxil. In a clinical study that looked at antidepressants (such as Paxil) and suicide, about 4 percent of children and teens taking an antidepressant had suicidal thoughts or behavior, compared to 2 percent in children and teens who were not taking an antidepressant.

 

An Overview of Paxil and Suicide

Paxil® (paroxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of the following conditions:
 
Paxil belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). As with all antidepressants, there may be an increased risk of suicidal behavior when taking Paxil.
 

Paxil and Suicide: FDA Warning

The U.
 S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a special warning about the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior with antidepressant use in children and teenagers. The warning was issued due to concerns that antidepressants seemed to increase the risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers in clinical studies. Although Paxil is not approved for use in children or teenagers, it may be used "off-label" for this age group.
 
(Paxil and Suicide Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;