Royal Pharmaceutical Society Responds To MHRA Announcement On SSRIs

UK - The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) today responded to the Medicines and Healthcare products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announcement of new advice to patients and doctors about Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRI).


David Pruce, Director of Practice and Quality Improvement at the RPSGB says:


"There have been concerns for some time over withdrawal symptoms, dose changes and suicidal behaviour, particularly in
children and adolescents, associated with SSRIs. This has been raised in the media and by healthcare professionals. In the
absence of authoritative advice on these problems, it has been difficult for pharmacists and doctors to judge the extent of
these problems and to advise patients and carers. We are, therefore, pleased that the CSM has issued new guidance and that
the NICE clinical guidelines on Depression and Anxiety have been published at the same time.


"The guidance issued clarifies the treatment options for depression and anxiety while giving important advice regarding the
safe use of SSRIs. All pharmacists should receive a letter from the CSM explaining the new advice.


"Pharmacists are likely to receive queries from patients who have read about this in the media and may be concerned. It is
important to reassure patients that no one needs to stop treatment as a result of this new advice. If after reading the
details of the advice anyone is concerned they should contact their doctor to discuss their treatment. Pharmacists should
advise patients not to should stop their SSRI treatment without first discussing it with their doctor. It is extremely
important that no one stops treatment suddenly.


"Concerns have been expressed over the length of time that it has taken for the MHRA to formulate this advice. While
accepting that it was important to assess all the available evidence before publishing advice, we share these concerns. We
urge the MHRA to review their processes to see whether they could be improved."


Ends


For further information please contact Natalie Sticklen or Felicity Slayford in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great
Britain's Public Relations Unit 020 7572 2335/6


Notes to editors


The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain is the professional and regulatory body for pharmacists in England,
Scotland and Wales.


The primary objective of the Society is to lead, regulate and develop the pharmacy profession.


The Society has responsibility for a wide range of functions that combine to assure competence and fitness to practise. These
include controlled entry into the profession, education, registration, setting and enforcing professional standards,
promoting good practice, providing support for improvement, dealing with poor performance, dealing with misconduct and
removal from the register.


In addition, the Society leads and supports the development of the profession in the public interest and promotes the
profession's policies and views to a range of external stakeholders in a number of different forums.


Royal Pharmaceutical Society

1 Lambeth High Street, London SE1 7JN

Tel: 020 7572 2335

Fax: 020 7572 2503

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