Prozac 'no better than placebo' for treating children with depression, experts

Experts suggest that clinical guidelines should no longer recommend Prozac for children with depression, as research indicates it is no more effective than a placebo. A meta-analysis of 12 trials concluded that the benefits of fluoxetine (Prozac) for children's depressive symptoms are minimal and not clinically significant. The study highlighted the potential risks of harmful side effects of the drug, such as weight gain, sleep disturbances, and concentration problems, which may outweigh any benefits. Despite this evidence, guidelines in the US, Canada, and the UK continue to recommend Prozac for young people with depression, prompting calls for a reevaluation of treatment approaches for children's mental health.