UK regulator backs Prozac for children

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said that
it was still advising health care practitioners to prescribe the
anti-depressant Prozac to children despite a strong recommendation
from the European Medicines Agency that it increases susceptibility
to suicidal feelings and aggression.

The MHRA said Prozac has been proved in clinical trials to be
effective in treating depression in under 18s, and although it was
possible the drug was associated with a “small increased risk” of
self-harm or suicidal thoughts, it could still be prescribed with
careful monitoring.

Chief executive of charity Mind Richard Brooks criticised the
MHRA’s position.

“The government should now address the problem by providing a
different response to dishing out drugs: providing funding for
services such as counselling and better social support systems,” he
said.