U.S. senator Charles Grassley asked to scrutinize if the drug maker GlaxoSmithKline Plc withheld safety information that linked its drug Paxil to suicide risk.

Senator Grassley requested investigation from the U.S. health regulator on Thursday after a British drug safety agency said Glaxo knew its antidepressant Paxil -known as paroxetine hydrochloride- was linked to suicide risk in adolescents since 1998.

Meanwhile, Glaxo said it has provided a variety of information about suicidal risks in Paxil patients to the FDA.

Several antidepressants are known for affecting children and adolescent patients, increasing risks of suicidal thoughts and actions.

Shares of GlaxoSmithKline closed 0.51 percent higher to $41.60 in the New York stock Exchange on Thursday.

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