HC Deb 22 June 2004 vol 422 cc1336-7W
Paul Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the drugs(a) mirtazapine and (b) bupropion are included in the review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors anti-depressants and related drugs; and whether either carries a risk of inducing suicidal behaviour comparable with that of the drugs now under review. [178295]

Ms Rosie Winterton

Mirtazapine (Zispin) is included in the review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and related antidepressants. The risks and benefits of mirtazapine in children and adolescents have been considered by the expert working group on SSRIs and the committee on safety of medicines. Analysis of controlled clinical trials did not find an increased risk of suicidal behaviour or self harm in the mirtazapine treated group compared to those treated with a placebo. A summary of the paediatric clinical trial data for mirtazapine was published on the website of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in April 2004. The review of a possible risk of suicidal behaviour in adults treated with mirtazapine is ongoing.

Bupropion (Zyban) has not been included in the review by the expert working group as it is licensed in the United Kingdom as an aid to smoking cessation. Bupropion has recently undergone a Europe wide review of its risks and benefits. The product information for prescribers states that, depression, rarely including suicidal ideation, has been reported in patients undergoing a smoking cessation attempt. These symptoms have also been reported during Zyban treatment and generally occurred early during the treatment course. Clinicians should be aware of the possible emergence of significant depressive symptoms in patients undergoing a smoking cessation attempt and should advise patients accordingly.

Paul Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the current review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and related anti-depressants includes investigation of the risk of such drugs inducing violent and dangerous behaviour in some users. [178300]

Ms Rosie Winterton

Part of the remit of the Committee on Safety of Medicines' expert working group on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is to consider the currently available evidence with regard to behavioural disorders, which includes violent behaviour, with a particular focus on suicidal behaviour, suicide attempt and suicide and a possible causal association with SSRIs.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether the review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and related anti-depressants includes an assessment of possible risks that such drugs may induce violent and dangerous behaviour in some users; [178441]

(2) whether mirtazapine and bupropion are included in the review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and related drugs; [178469]

(3) what advice he has received on whether mirtazapine and buproprion carry a risk of inducing suicidal behaviour. [178567]

Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether the review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and related anti-depressants includes investigation of whether such drugs may induce violent and dangerous behaviour in some users; [178337]

(2) whether the drugs (a) mirtazapine and (b) bupropion were included in the review of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor anti-depressants and related drugs; and if he will conduct an assessment of whether each drug carries a risk of inducing suicidal behaviour. [178338]

Ms Rosie Winterton

I refer the hon. Members to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newport, West (Paul Flynn) today.