Fluoxetine and Suicide: a Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials of Treatment for Depression

A meta-analysis of clinical trial data was performed to assess the possible association of fluoxetine & suicidality. A retrospective analysis of pooled data from 17 double blind clinical trials in patients with major depressive disorder compared fluoxetine with a tricyclic antidepressant or placebo or both. Data from these trials do not show that fluoxetine is associated with an increased risk of suicidal acts or the emergence of substantial suicidal thoughts among depressed patients. (23 refs.)