Prozac and Suicide

Antidepressants appear to increase the risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers. Clinical studies have been conducted on suicide and Prozac, but it is difficult to know for sure if the medication actually causes suicidal thoughts or behavior. Certain people, however, may be at higher risk of suicidal behavior while taking antidepressants, including those with bipolar disorder or previous suicide attempts.

 

Prozac belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). As with all antidepressants, there may be an increased risk of suicidal behavior when taking Prozac.

  

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a special warning about the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior with antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and young adults up to the age of 25. The warning was issued in response to concerns that antidepressants seemed to increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in these age groups in clinical studies.

 

Prozac is approved to treat children with depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Even though it is not approved for other uses in children, it may be used "off-label" in children who have conditions other than depression or OCD.