PFPC Daily - January 10, 2005

'Prozac risk for young brains'

Cape Argus - January 10, 2005

One of today's commonest antidepressants may actually
worsen the mental health of tomorrow's children, according
to new US research that suggests pregnant women should not
use Prozac.

A team led by psychobiologist Mark Ansorge at Columbia
University found that young mice given Prozac grow up
anxious and depressed.

They believe the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor
(SSRI) drug interferes with a critical stage of brain
development, setting the mice up for emotional disorders
later.

It is not known if the same risk applies to humans, though
there is genetic evidence that people might be even more
susceptible.

The team wrote in the journal, Science: "Exposure to
SSRI-like antidepressants during this period of development
may entail unexpected risks for affective function later in life."

The news comes amid concern over reports of suicidal
behaviour among young teenagers on antidepressants.

In October, the US Food and Drug Administration ordered
manufacturers to label SSRI antidepressants warning of the
risk. -

SOURCE:
http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=55&fArticleId=2368653