Esther McVey will meet with health ministers and officials to discuss how to improve patient information warnings around withdrawing from certain types of anti-depressants – in the hope of preventing further lives being lost to suicide.
The Tatton MP said anti-depressants can be life-changing and provide positive benefits for many but some patients can experience horrific withdrawal symptoms, in particular when coming off Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
Speaking in a debate she secured in Parliament on suicide and mental health of young people, Ms McVey told of how constituent Olivia Russell took her own life aged 25.
Olivia was prescribed citalopram – an SSRI - in November 2020 for anxiety but in June 2021 she began stopping the medication. She suffered extreme withdrawal symptoms which led to her taking her own life in September 2021.
Ms McVey said: “Olivia’s experience of declining mental health as medication was withdrawn was far from unique and was a known risk.
“The Royal College of Psychiatrists suggests that between one third and one half of people who take anti-depressant medications will experience withdrawal symptoms to some extent. The severity and duration of these symptoms, and who they will affect though is not certain.”
Olivia’s family want to see patients given more information on how significant withdrawal could be. Measures they want include a simple warning on the packaging of SSRIs, which would not replace information provided in a patient information leaflet or guidance from a GP but act as a safeguard and extra information for the patient.
Ms McVey added: “We owe it to families like Olivia’s to ensure that no one feels unsupported or uninformed when taking such important decisions. Simple warnings on medication packets, improved guidance for medical professionals and comprehensive advice can make the process of withdrawal palpably easier and safer potentially offering better outcomes for patients navigating the complex process of prescription and withdrawal from SSRI medication.”
Following Olivia’s death, the coroner took the decision to produce a Prevention of Future Deaths Report – a report which aims to improve public health, welfare, and safety. The report found no evidence that Olivia was explicitly warned about the risk of relapse, the potential signs of withdrawal or told she might feel worse before feeling better.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock said he would meet with Ms McVey to work together to protect young people as they both shared a common interest in tackling the issue.
