F.D.A. Panel Debates ‘Black Box’ Warning for Antidepressants in Pregnancy
F.D.A. Panel Debates ‘Black Box’ Warning for Antidepressants in Pregnancy
An agency-sponsored forum included critics of psychiatry who believe the drugs can harm a developing fetus. Other experts said antidepressants were safe and necessary.
Read the full article on NY Times Politics
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's accuracy is mixed. While it correctly identifies the debate surrounding antidepressant use during pregnancy and the involvement of the FDA, the claim of a specific FDA panel debating a 'black box' warning in 2025 is unverified and potentially speculative. The article exhibits moderate bias by highlighting critics of psychiatry, suggesting a slant against antidepressant use.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: F.D.A. Panel Debates ‘Black Box’ Warning for Antidepressants in Pregnancy in 2025
- Assessment: Unverified. None of the provided sources confirm an FDA panel debate specifically in 2025. This could be a future event or hypothetical scenario.
- Claim: The forum included critics of psychiatry who believe the drugs can harm a developing fetus.
- Assessment: Unverified, but plausible. It is reasonable to assume that a forum discussing antidepressant safety during pregnancy would include critics. However, without specific source confirmation, it remains unverified.
- Claim: Other experts said antidepressants were safe and necessary.
- Assessment: Unverified, but plausible. Similar to the previous claim, it's reasonable to expect experts to present differing viewpoints. However, without source confirmation, it remains unverified.
- Claim: Antidepressants have a black box warning.
- Verification Source #1: Lexapro has a black box warning regarding suicidality and antidepressant drugs.
- Verification Source #2: Amitriptyline has a black box warning.
- Verification Source #3: Wellbutrin has a box warning regarding clinical worsening and suicide risk.
- Verification Source #4: Paroxetine's pregnancy category warning was increased.
- Verification Source #5: Abilify has a box warning regarding cerebrovascular adverse events.
- Assessment: Supported. Multiple sources confirm that various antidepressants carry black box warnings, though the specific warnings vary.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: "WARNING: Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs. See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning."
- Source 2: "Boxed warning - The FDA has issued a black box warning regarding the use of ... Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat ..."
- The 2025 date for the FDA panel debate is not supported by any of the provided sources.