Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 8
US health officials explore banning some SSRI antidepressants
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 8

US health officials explore banning some SSRI antidepressants

10 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 8
  • The discussions last week involved long-used drugs including Zoloft, Prozac and Lexapro, though HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon denied any talks about banning SSRIs.
  • Kennedy on Monday instead announced measures to curb use, including doctor reimbursement for tapering patients, prescribing-data sharing and provider training, while saying patients should not stop medication.
  • About one in six US adults take SSRIs, which psychiatrists consider first-line depression treatment; regulatory experts said the FDA cannot ban approved drugs without strong new safety evidence.
How will patients be protected from the severe, long-term withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants that doctors often underestimate?
With the 'chemical imbalance' theory disproven, what science-backed alternatives to antidepressants will officials now prioritize for mental health treatment?
As gut health's link to depression emerges, will new policies favor microbial therapies over traditional psychiatric medications?