ROANOKE TIMES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 7, 1991                   TAG: 9102070170
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: INDIANAPOLIS                                LENGTH: Short


DOCTOR URGES STUDY OF DRUG SIDE EFFECTS

A Harvard psychiatrist on Wednesday called for new research on Prozac's possible links with suicide despite new data touted by the anti-depression drug's manufacturer.

Dr. Martin Teicher, who published a study last year describing patients who showed an increased obsession with suicide after beginning treatment with Prozac, said assurances from Eli Lilly & Co. shouldn't end study of the drug.

"I think Prozac is a safe and effective drug. I use it in my practice. I am glad it is available," Teicher said. "I just caution that it is a powerful medication."

A spokesman for Lilly said the company recognized suicidal thoughts were known to occur with Prozac, and it has relayed that information to doctors.

- Associated Press



 by CNB