'Prozac risk for young brains'
January 10, 2005 Edition 1
One of today's commonest antidepressants may actually worsen the mental health of tomorrow's children, according to new US research that suggests pregnant women should not use Prozac.
A team led by psychobiologist Mark Ansorge at Columbia University found that young mice given Prozac grow up anxious and depressed.
They believe the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug interferes with a critical stage of brain development, setting the mice up for emotional disorders later.
It is not known if the same risk applies to humans, though there is genetic evidence that people might be even more susceptible.
The team wrote in the journal, Science: "Exposure to SSRI-like antidepressants during this period of development may entail unexpected risks for affective function later in life."
The news comes amid concern over reports of suicidal behaviour among young teenagers on antidepressants.
In October, the US Food and Drug Administration ordered manufacturers to label SSRI antidepressants warning of the risk. - Sapa-dpa
