Luvox Among Other Antidepressants Increase Suicidality in Youth

What is Luvox?

Luvox is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Luvox works by affecting chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Luvox is used to treat social anxiety disorder (social phobia), or obsessive-compulsive disorders involving recurring thoughts or actions.

Luvox Side Effects and the FDA

The FDA announced on December 13, 2006 that antidepressants prescribed to young adults are risky. The agency proposed expanding the labels of all SSRI antidepressants to include a warning concerning suicidal thoughts in patients ranging from 18-24 years of age.

This change only affects children and adolescents being treated with antidepressants and suggests that patients of all ages be carefully monitored.

The FDA completed a bulk evaluation of 372 studies involving approximately 100,000 patients and 11 antidepressants, including Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac and Paxil.

When analyzed by age, the results show an elevated risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior among adults 18 to 25.

Risk Of Suicidal Behavior Amongst Children with Luvox

The FDA has stated there is a definite link between antidepressants and the worsening suicidal behavior of children taking the drugs.

Experts from Columbia University found that on average, antidepressants taken by children increased suicidal thoughts by an extra 2-3%.

Relative risks of suicidal behavior were highest among youths taking Luvox, Effexor and Paxil.

A new study has also linked these drugs to an increased risk of death amongst patients with coronary artery disease. Duke University analyzed the survival rate of heart disease patients using antidepressants compared with those not using these drugs.

Luvox Lawsuits

If you or someone you know took Luvox and suffered serious side effects, contact us today. You may be eligible for compensation for your injuries through a defective drug lawsuit.

Call us toll-free 1-888-GARRETT (1-888-427-7388) or fill out our contact form for a free legal consultation.

Tagged as: effexor, lexapro, luvox, paxil, prozac, zoloft