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2004-02
February 3, 2004
For immediate release
Advisory
Correction
Health Canada advises Canadians under the age of 18 to consult
physicians if they are being treated with newer
anti-depressants
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians that
patients under 18 who are currently being treated with a newer
anti-depressant -- Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or
Serotonin Noradrenaline Re-uptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) -- should consult
their treating physician to confirm that the benefits of the drug still
outweigh its potential risks in light of recent safety concerns.
Health Canada recently requested that the manufacturers of the newer
anti-depressants provide a thorough review of the worldwide safety data
for their drug when used in children under 18 years of age. This request
was made as a result of international reports that some of these drugs may
be associated with an increased risk of suicide-related events in patients
under 18 years of age.
It is important to note that Health Canada has not approved these drugs
for use in patients under 18 years. The prescribing of drugs is a
physician's responsibility. Although SSRI/SNRIs are not approved for use
with children, doctors rely on their knowledge of patients to determine
whether to prescribe them at their discretion in a practice called
off-label use.
Health Canada does not advise that paediatric patients discontinue use
of a newer anti-depressant without first consulting their treating
physician, as treatment with these drugs should not be abruptly stopped
due to the risk of discontinuation symptoms. This advisory does not apply
to the approved uses of these drugs in adults.
This advisory applies to the following antidepressants:
- Citalopram (Celexa®)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac®)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox®)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron®)
- Paroxetine (Paxil®)
- Sertraline (Zoloft®)
- Venlaflaxine (Effexor®)
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Media Inquiries:
Jirina Vlk
Health Canada
(613) 957-2988
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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