Popular Prozac rival linked to 118 British deaths

An anti-depressant prescribed almost 200,000 times a year to Irish patients has been directly linked to 118 deaths in the UK.

The drug is sold here under the name Efexor.

A British study has found that the death rate for Efexor is over four times that of the popular anti-depressant, Prozac.

The Irish Psychiatric Association says the findings highlight the need for further investigations into the drug but is advising patients to continue taking the drug and to discuss concerns with their GP.