The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a list of dozens of drugs for which it is conducting safety reviews after concerns over their side effects and potential complications have been raised.  Some of the drugs under scrutiny include a popular weight-loss drug and some commonly used antidepressants.

Under a 2007 Congressional ruling, the FDA must update this list every three months.  Even though a drug is listed, there is no conclusive evidence that regulatory action of any sort is warranted.  When and if a clear link between a drug and the suspected side effects is discovered, the FDA will take further action at that time.

Some of the drugs currently under review are:

• The diet drug, Xenical, for concerns over the risk of rectal bleeding.
• SSRI- and SNRI-class antidepressants, including Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft, for the risk of birth defects.
• Abilify, used for treating schizophrenia, for potential liver toxicity.
• Lamisil, used to treat nail fungus, for risk of psychiatric disturbances.
• The malaria drug, Lariam, also for psychiatric concerns.
• Diovan, a blood pressure medication, for the risk of a specific type of anemia.
• Plan B contraceptive pills, for the risk of losing consciousness.

A complete list of drugs under review, updated every three months, is available on the FDA’s website.