One of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for children and adolescents can double the risk of aggression and suicide, according to research published in The BMJ. Share on Pinterest Children and teens who use antidepressants have double the risk of suicide and death. In the US, it is estimated that 1.2% of people under 18 years of age were taking prescription antidepressants in 2009-2012. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for depression. However, there have been reports of deaths, suicide and violence by people taking these drugs. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have warned of antidepressants leading to suicide among young adults aged 18-24 years. The FDA recommend monitoring for all patients taking antidepressants to check for worsening of symptoms, suicidal tendencies and any unusual changes in behavior.

Poorly designed studies mask potential dangers Previous studies of the risks have been poorly designed and findings have been misreported. As a result, it is not known exactly how serious the dangers relating to antidepressant use are for adults or children. Potential risks include aggression, suicidal tendencies and fatality. A team of researchers from Denmark, concerned about the dearth of published evidence of harms associated with antidepressants, decided to analyze clinical study reports and summary trial reports to gain more information. The team procured clinical study reports for duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine from British and European regulatory agencies. Summary trial reports for duloxetine and fluoxetine were accessed through the website of the drug company Eli Lilly. The researchers systematically reviewed 68 clinical study reports of 70 trials involving 18,526 patients to learn more about the risks, which include deaths, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and aggression. They also looked at akathisia, a type of restlessness that can contribute to violence and suicide. The trials that were selected featured patient narratives or lists of harms experienced by individual patients.