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Prozac and Suicide

Antidepressants appear to increase the risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers. Clinical studies have been conducted on Prozac and suicide, 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 for suicidal behavior while taking antidepressants, including those with bipolar disorder or who have attempted suicide in the past.

 

Prozac and Suicide: An Overview

Prozac® (fluoxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, and panic disorder. It is one of 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.
 

Prozac and Suicide: FDA Warning

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 and teenagers. The warning was issued due to concerns that antidepressants seemed to increase the risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers in clinical studies.
 

Does Prozac Cause Suicides?

In clinical studies, it did appear that there was a slightly increased risk of suicidal behavior in children and teenagers who took antidepressants, including Prozac. In one study, about 4 percent of children and teens taking an antidepressant had suicidal thoughts or behavior, compared to 2 percent in children and teens who were not taking an antidepressant. This study looked at all suicidal behavior, including suicides, attempted suicides, and thoughts about committing suicide. It is important to note that no one in the study actually committed suicide.
 
It is difficult to know for sure if antidepressants cause suicidal behavior. To make matters more confusing, depression itself can cause suicidal behavior. The bottom line: you should report any signs of suicidal behavior to your healthcare professional whether you are taking an antidepressant or not.
 
Certain people seem to be at higher risk for suicidal behavior while taking antidepressants. This includes people with bipolar disorder (or a family history of bipolar disorder) and people who have attempted suicide (or have a family history of suicide attempts).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;