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The majority of antidepressants do not work on children and teenagers and prescribing them could do more harm than good, a major study in The Lancet has warned.
A review of clinical trial evidence found that of 14 antidepressant drugs only one, fluoxetine – marketed as Prozac – was better than placebo at relieving the symptoms of young people with major depression.
Another drug, venlafaxine, was associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
Although fluoxetine is the only drug currently recommended for youngsters by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), clinicians have previously warned that they are still being prescribed.
However researchers at Oxford University who carried out the review said effectiveness and safety of antidepressants taken by children and teenagers remained unclear because of the poor design and selective reporting of trials, which were mostly funded by drug companies.
They recommended close monitoring of young people on antidepressants, regardless of what drugs they were prescribed, especially at the start of treatment.
– Sarak Knapton
Read more: Anti-depressants In Young People May Do More Harm Than Good
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