Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the mainstay in treating adults with depression. Although not approved for use in children under 18 years old, Paxil (paroxetine) is used in children to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety.
After reviewing data from nine studies on the effectiveness of Paxil in children the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that the drug is not effective in treating children under 18 years old with major depression. Furthermore, the FDA expressed concern there may be an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts in children using this drug. The risk of harmful outcomes was over three times greater than for the children who received the placebo.
Although it's best not to have children taking Paxil, it shouldn't be suddenly stopped. Rather, it needs to be stopped slowly and under the supervision of a physician.
The FDA made no recommendations that children taking Paxil for problems other than depression stop the medicine.
Family Practice News, 7/15/03, p. 10.
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