Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 7 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 March 2001. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 12 March 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the use of (a) Prozac and (b) other psychiatric drugs on children.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the use of (a) Prozac and (b) other psychiatric drugs on children. [153260] Mr. Hutton: Prozac is not licensed for use in children in the United Kingdom. Doctors may prescribe Prozac, outside the normal licensed indication, if they consider that this is in the patient's best interests. Other psychotropic drugs are less commonly used in children than adults as the prevalence of severe mental illness is considerably lower. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and other similar stimulants are, however, licensed and used for the treatment of the more severe forms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence issued guidance last November on the use of Methylphenidate.

Secondary information