October is Antidepressant Death Awareness Month
There has been a long standing debate on the safety of antidepressants since the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its "black box" alert in 2004. This alert was printed on all antidepressant packaging warning patients and parents that children and adolescents have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. (www.webmd.com)
Since then, depression diagnoses have fallen in all age groups and people who need help are not receiving treatment because they are afraid of treatment. When the warning came out, the public overreacted thus keeping people from seeking help and possibly committing suicide. Depression is not only a serious illness but it is also fatal.
A study which appeared in JAMA/Archives journals (2006) declared that suicidal individuals taking antidepressant medications appeared to have an increased risk of additional suicidal attempts, but a reduced risk of dying from suicide. The authors claimed that this was especially true for children and adolescents who were taking a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The result of the study showed that while there was a slight increase in antidepressant use with a risk of attempted suicide, there was, however, a decrease in completed suicide.
Various studies have since been carried out and the controversy seems to be waning. In March 2009, the FDA issued an advisory on antidepressant medicines and the risk of suicide. Their recommendation is for people not to stop using these medications, but to watch for any signs of suicide. This is especially important at the beginning of treatment or when doses are changed.
Antidepressant medications work differently for each person and you might have to try one or two until you find the one that is right for you. Tell your doctor about any side effects. Medications work best when they are taken as your doctor has prescribed. If you quit taking your medication without working with your doctor, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Generally after starting antidepressants you should feel better after 1-3 weeks with a few more weeks in order to feel even better.
For more info: Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies (COPE) 612-596-1223
Crisis Connection 612-379-6363
HCMC Psychiatric Services 612-873-3161
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