A class of antidepressants that includes Paxil and Zoloft can increase suicidal behavior and thinking among users under age 25, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in requiring new warning labels to that effect.

The New York Times reported May 3 that the FDA ordered drug makers to amend an existing warning on suicide risk among children and adolescents to include anyone under age 25.

The "black box" warning came with an FDA reminder that doctors balance risks against clinical need in prescribing antidepressants to children and young adults. Studies have not shown any increase in suicide risk among antidepressant users over age 25.

"It has been dismaying to see the delay in formally recognizing this risk, whose recognition can only make the use of these drugs safer for those who really need them," said David Healy, a psychiatrist at the University of Cardiff in Wales, who has long warned about the link between antidepressants and suicide. "The clinical trial data pointing to a risk was compelling 17 years ago."