FDA Warning: Antidepressants May Increase Suicide Risks in Young Adults

The Food and Drug Administration has proposed that antidepressants such as Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft must now feature an FDA label warning of increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients under 24. This action follows a meta-analysis of 372 studies on the affects of 11 antidepressants. Results revealed that these drugs were linked to an elevated risk of suicidal thoughts in users between the ages of 18 and 25.

Many mental health professionals fear the labels will do more harm than good, however, scaring off both doctors and patients who, in the face of untreated depression, will be at a far greater risk for suicide.

"My concern is that by not simply promoting good standards of care and by putting on a black-box label, the FDA may unwittingly limit further access to care," said Dr. Carolyn Robinowitz, president-elect of the American Psychiatric Association.

Read more: FDA: Antidepressants risky for young adults