Ritalin And Prozac Prescribed Together by More Children – (07-03-00)

Ritalin And Prozac Prescribed Together by More Children

Either one of these drugs alone have not had the necessary studies to determine their safety. Put them together and the story gets even more disturbing.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and fluoxetine (Prozac), as well as various combinations of similar stimulants and antidepressants, are being prescribed together for an increasing number of children, according to data presented here at the American Academy of Pediatrics’ annual meeting. “I think the safety of these medications–in the young child especially–is not known, and when you take them in combination it’s a whole new level of safety concern,” noted Dr. Jerry Rushton, of the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor. “It’s something that needs to be studied further.”