§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue a warning to doctors about the danger of suicidality in certain patients through the prescribing of Prozac and Sertraline; and if he will make a statement. [127960]
§ Ms StuartIt is well known that suicidal ideation is associated with depression. Features of depression, including suicidal behaviour, can worsen after introduction of any antidepressant prior to its beneficial effects being apparent. The British National Formulary, issued to all general practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals, advises that patients treated for depression should be assessed frequently for suicidal tendencies. The summaries of Product Characteristics (SPCs) for Prozac (fluoxetine) and Lustral (sertraline), in common with those for other antidepressants in the class, warn that the possibility of a suicide attempt may persist until significant remission of depression occurs and that patients should be closely supervised in the early stages of treatment.