Written question asked by Doug Naysmith (Labour) on Thursday, 22 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 July 2000. It was answered by Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston (Labour) on Monday, 3 July 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will issue a warning to doctors about the danger of suicidality in certain patients through the prescribing of Prozac and Sertraline; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Dr. Naysmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue a warning to doctors about the danger of suicidality in certain patients through the prescribing of Prozac and Sertraline; and if he will make a statement. [127960] Ms Stuart: It is well known that suicidal ideation is associated with depression. Features of depression, including suicidal behaviour, can worsen after introduction of any antidepressant prior to its beneficial effects being apparent. The British National Formulary, issued to all general practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals, advises that patients treated for depression should be assessed frequently for suicidal tendencies. The summaries of Product Characteristics (SPCs) for Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lustral (sertraline), in common with those for other antidepressants in the class, warn that the possibility of a suicide attempt may persist until significant remission of depression occurs and that patients should be closely supervised in the early stages of treatment.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 127960; 353 c44W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Health hazards Prescription drugs Side effects Suicide Fluoxetine Sertraline
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk