Crisis Plan

There are now Black Box Warnings on antidepressant medications alerting consumers to the fact that suicidal ideation could increase during the initial stage of taking the medication.

Whenever anti-depressant medications are prescribed, close monitoring of suicide risk is required until the person is no longer suicidal. The prescriber should see the individual frequently, inform them of this potential medication effect, and have a clear Crisis Plan in place.

If possible, family members should also be informed of this possible risk. Family should be informed of the Crisis Plan and they should be advised to secure or remove guns from the home.