SSRI Suicides

SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are highly prescribed antidepressants which have helped millions of people all over the world better cope with anxiety, depression, mood disorders and other psychiatric issues. However, as with all medications, SSRIs carry the risk of several serious and alarming side effects. Perhaps the SSRI side effect most alarming to many people whose loved ones use these medications is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and tendencies. This risk is especially high for adolescent users of SSRIs, and suicidal thoughts and suicides are most common when a patient is first adjusting to a new SSRI.

Why may SSRIs increase Suicide Risks?

Doctors and scientists have been researching a possible link between SSRI antidepressants and increased rates of suicides or suicidal thoughts since 1990, only a few years after the first SSRIs were prescribed. By 2004, enough evidence had been gathered for the FDA to issue a Black Box Warning about SSRI suicide risks. This is the highest level of warning used by the FDA—the next step is removal of a dangerous drug through a recall—and has been applied to all SSRIs including:

• Paxil
• Prozac
• Zoloft
• Celexa
• Lexapro
• Effexor
• Luvox

According to an article featured by Harvard researchers, there are a number of theories about why patients using SSRIs may be more likely to have suicidal thoughts or commit suicide. In some cases, patients may have a hidden bipolar disorder and experience a manic reaction to SSRI introduction. Other patients may have already had suicidal thoughts or tendencies before taking an SSRI, but the drug gives them enough energy and motivation to finally act on those thoughts. This is why suicide in SSRI users is much more common in the first few weeks of treatment.

SSRI Suicide Lawsuits

A number of individulas have filed SSRI suicide lawsuits against the manufacturers of these antidepressants based on claims that these companies were negligent in their duty to protect consumers. Claims in SSRI suicide lawsuits may include:

• Drug maker failed to conduct adequate research into SSRI suicide risks after receiving adverse event reports
• Drug maker hid or misrepresented results of SSRI suicide risk research
• Drug maker failed to provide adequate warning of SSRI suicide risks to doctors and patients

If you have suffered the devastating loss of someone you love due to an SSRI suicide, or if you have used an SSRI and struggled with suicidal thoughts or tendencies, you may be owed compensation for your damages. Contact an experienced and compassionate attorney to learn more in a free and confidential consultation.