SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are a type of antidepressant thought to increase suicidal behavior. One study has showed a fourfold increase in nonfatal suicidal behavior during the first nine days of treatment with two SSRIs (Prozac and Paxil). This risk remains three times higher during days 10-29 of treatment than after day 90 of treatment.

Fatal suicide is 38 times more likely during the first nine days of treatment. Recent reports have shown that the newer SSRIs may increase suicide risk in teens and even in adults. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned doctors prescribing any antidepressant drugs, not just SSRIs, to watch patients for possible suicidal behavior.

A report in the July 21, 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association makes that seem like very wise advice, says study co-author James A. Kaye, MD, PhD. Kaye is senior epidemiologist for the Boston Collaborative Drug surveillance program and associate professor at the Boston University School of Public Health. "The time period after starting any of these treatments is a high-risk period. We agree that there should be careful monitoring of patients who have started on these drugs, as the FDA has already advised."

Side effects of SSRIs may also indirectly provoke patients to suicidal behavior. For example, weight gain and agitation from taking the drugs may further disturb patients and increase their risk of suicide.

The following is a list of SSRI's:

• Aropax (generic name: paroxetine)
• Celexa (generic name: citalopram HBr)
• Cipramil
• Effexor (generic name: venlafaxine)
• Emocal
• Fevarin (generic name: fluvoxamine)
• Fontex (generic name: fluoxetine)
• Lexapro (generic name: escitalopram)
• Luvox
• Opitar
• Paxil (generic name: paroxetine HCI)
• Prozac (generic name: fluoxetine hydrochloride)
• Sepram (generic name: citalopram)
• Seromex
• Seronil
• Seroxat
• Wellburtin (generic name: bupropion)
• Zoloft (generic name: sertroline)