Doctors and patients are to receive clearer warnings about the risks of suicidal thoughts and sexual problems linked to antidepressants, under changes announced to medicine safety labelling.
Safety guidance on antidepressants is being updated to make the risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and sexual dysfunction (difficulty with sexual function that persists after stopping the medication), more explicit for both prescribers and patients. The changes were announced by the MHRA, the UK medicines regulator, and reported by the BMJ, the British Medical Journal.
Sexual dysfunction linked to antidepressants can, in some cases, continue after a person stops taking the drug — a condition sometimes called post-SSRI sexual dysfunction. The updated warnings are intended to ensure that doctors raise these risks with patients before prescribing, and that patients know what to watch for.
Suicidal thoughts as a side effect are not new information. But the move to strengthen the language on labels signals that current wording has not been considered clear enough.
If you are taking antidepressants and have concerns about side effects, do not stop taking your medication without speaking to your GP first — stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your GP or pharmacist can talk through your options.
Key information
- If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call Samaritans free on 116 123, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or go to your nearest A&E
- For concerns about medication side effects, contact your GP or call NHS 111
- Do not stop antidepressants suddenly — always seek medical advice first
- In an emergency, call 999
Source: @bmj_latest