What sent Sara over the edge? Antidepressants under scrutiny

Don Peat
Toronto Sun
Monday, October 19, 2009

Sara Carlin was killed by an electrical cord she wrapped around her neck with her own hands.

That’s how the beautiful 18-year-old Oakville teen died May 6, 2007.

But that sad day was only the beginning of a two-year quest by her family to find out if Paxil, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant she was prescribed, helped open an otherwise closed door to suicide.

Carlin, a straight-A high school student, had started the health sciences program at University of Western Ontario the fall before she died with hopes of becoming a doctor.

She may still make an impact in the medical world.

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• A d v e r t i s e m e n t

Depending on the recommendations made by next month’s coroner’s inquest, her death may change how doctors prescribe drugs, how drugs are regulated in Canada and what warnings are given to parents of teens taking antidepressants.

When contacted by the Sun, Carlin’s parents, Neil and Rhonda, asked for privacy in the lead up to the inquest that is set to start Nov. 2.

Preliminary proceedings for the inquest — applications for standing — are slated to begin tomorrow.

Full story here.

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