Suicide warning over some anti-depressants

THE Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has written to the Medical Council, requesting thatpatients are informed that certain anti-depressants can cause suicidal thoughts as a potential side effect.

The IHRC is also urging ongoing supervision when the drugs are prescribed. The anti-depressants are known are SSRIs, and popular brands include Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro Paxil and Celexa.

The move came after a request to the IHRC for an inquiry into the prescribing of such drugs from the mother of 22-year-old Shane Clancy, who took his own life after fatally stabbing another man a month after he began taking anti-depressants.