Monday, 10 September 2007

Pharmac to investigate 'Pre-schoolers on Prozac'

Alarming figures that show antidepressants are being given to large numbers of young children demand urgent investigation, according to UnitedFuture health spokeswoman Judy Turner, who released the data.

"I welcome Dr Peter Moodie's willingness to further investigate how this is happening and understand that he has asked Medsafe to look into the issue.

"We need to find exactly who the doctors are that are prescribing these drugs, but also find the children that have been taking these antidepressants," says Mrs Turner.

There have been 2612 antidepressant scripts fulfilled for two and three year olds over the past three years.

"Toddlers don't suffer from depression. Why are so many pre-schoolers on Prozac?

"I really wonder whether the parents actually know what they are giving to their little ones, or if doctors are just writing these scripts without fully informing parents of what they actually do or the possible side-effects.

"As a parent, I would be extremely concerned if found my children were being prescribed inappropriate medication, and would want to know what needs to be done.

"Many parents will be scared of the possible short or long-term problems from these powerful psychiatric drugs on such fragile and developing young brains. The sooner Pharmac can shed some light on this scandal, the better," says Mrs Turner.

ENDS

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