European drug watchdog backs Prozac for children
Key points
- Europe's medicine watchdog said on Tuesday that Prozac could be used to treat children aged eight years and over.
- Despite controversy over giving antidepressants to adolescents, the European Medicines Agency said the benefits outweighed the risks in children with moderate to severe depression who failed to respond to psychological therapy.
- Prozac, or fluoxetine, was originally developed by Eli Lilly and Co but is now widely available in generic versions since Lilly's patent has expired.
Europe's medicine watchdog said on Tuesday that Prozac could be used to treat children aged eight years and over.
Despite controversy over giving antidepressants to adolescents, the European Medicines Agency said the benefits outweighed the risks in children with moderate to severe depression who failed to respond to psychological therapy.
Prozac, or fluoxetine, was originally developed by Eli Lilly and Co but is now widely available in generic versions since Lilly's patent has expired.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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