DCF: Discontinue Using Paxil For Depressed Youth

HARTFORD (AP) — The state Department of Children and Families plans to stop using Paxil to treat depressed young people because of warnings about severe negative effects for children, The Journal Inquirer of Manchester has reported.

The US Food and Drug Administration warned last month that no one under 18 should be prescribed Paxil because it may increase a child’s risk of suicide. The British government also issued a strong warning against pediatric use of the anti-depressant, sold there under the name Seroxat.

Maribel Vazquez, DCF program supervisor for the Bureau of Child Welfare Services, said the department is stopping use of Paxil for six months pending further study.

DCF will recommend children on Paxil switch to safer alternative treatment, if one is available.

The FDA has never approved use of Paxil in children or teens. But some doctors prescribe the adult drug for children anyway.