New guidelines for prescribing anti-depressants, UK

British doctors are to get new guidelines regarding the prescribing of anti-depressants for people with mild to moderate
depression. People with mild to moderate depression should seek/receive alternative treatments. The NICE guidelines cover
such famous brand names as Prozac and Seroxat.


Pharmaceutical companies say these anti-depressants, known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are much safer
than previous ones.


SSRI prescriptions in the UK reached a total of 13 million last year. Doctors prefer them to the old tricyclic medicines,
saying they have fewer side effects and lower risks of a patient overdosing.


Guidelines regarding SSRIs were in the spotlight last year when the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
(MHRA) banned their use for children under 18. There was concern the drugs may increase the risk of suicide.


The guidelines will also state that if you are taking SSRIs you should not stop taking them before seeing your doctor.



It is being said that the MHRA will advise people with mild to moderate depression to seek counselling rather than drugs. It
will advise doctors to offer counselling to people with mild to moderate depression.


What are SSRIs?


Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Lustral), fluvoxamine (Faverin),
citalopram (Cipramil) and escitalopram (Cipralex). Venlafaxine (Efexor) is a medicine that is related to SSRIs and shares
some of their effects. Venlafaxine and the SSRIs are used in the treatment of depressive illness and anxiety disorders.



SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. They are the newest class of antidepressants and have the
fewest side effects. Their toxic levels are high so they are a reasonable option for people who may be at risk for overdose.


View drug information on Prozac Weekly.