- For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
MPs are pushing for an ‘urgent reduction’ of how anti-depressants are proscribed, after an inquest ruled Lady Gabriella Windsor’s husband took his own life after suffering an ‘adverse effect’ to his medication.
Thomas Kingston, 45, died from a shotgun wound to the head at the home of his parents in the Cotswolds in February.
Labour MP, and practicing GP, Dr Simon Opher says doctors must stop prescribing them in such large numbers, and that more support is needed when people start or come off them, when suicide risk is highest.
Writing for Mail Online today, Dr Opher says: ‘The tragic suicide of Prince Michael of Kent’s son-in-law has highlighted the potential serious risks of antidepressant drugs.
‘While these drugs can undoubtedly help some people, they can also cause harm to others.’
Mr Kingston (pictured), the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor, took his life following an adverse effect to prescribed medication, an inquest heard
Thomas Kingston (left) pictured with marrying Lady Gabriella Windsor at St George’s Chapel on May 18 2019
Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Lady Gabriella Windsor and Thomas Kingston watch the racing from the Royal Box as they attend day 5 of Royal Ascot 2023
The couple are pictured here at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in July 2019
The MP chairs the ‘Beyond Pills’ All-Party Parliamentary Group, which is calling for an urgent reduction in antidepressant prescribing, adds: ‘While antidepressants may be helpful for some patients, at least in the short term, non-drug options are often a better choice for the large cohort who present with mild to moderate depression.
‘Also, we need to explain to patients the risk of possible adverse effects, including those experienced by Thomas Kingston, and offer existing patients services to help withdraw safely where appropriate, alongside psychosocial support.’
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit www.thecalmzone.net/get-support