Study highlights link between Paxil and suicide

GlaxoSmithKline has determined that trial data indicates that its antidepressant Paxil appears to increase the risk of suicide attempts among young adults. Data shows that suicide attempts are rare, says GSK, but are higher among people taking the drug than a placebo. GSK altered its warning label to highlight the risk of suicide attempts. Only one suicide was recorded among the more than 15,000 trial participants. The FDA ordered tougher warnings about suicide risk in 2004 after studies demonstrated a link between antidepressants and suicidal behavior. The agency repeated warnings that adults taking antidepressants be closely watched for suicidal tendencies.

- read the New York Times article on Paxil