Loading...Q. Is it possible Prozac may trigger violent and irrational reactions? Last year my son, who had been put on Prozac by his psychiatrist, had what I would call a gigantic temper tantrum. He destroyed his computer, his car and set himself on fire, burning himself over 90 percent of his body. Most of those were third degree burns. He rushed into the bathroom and put out the fire with a shower, which probably saved his life.
He had never expressed suicidal tendencies before this episode, and has fought to live throughout his treatment for burns.
How often do people on Prozac attempt suicide? I think families should be warned about this complication more effectively. I am concerned that ads don’t emphasize this adequately.
A. The issue of violent, self destructive behavior associated with Prozac (fluoxetine) remains controversial. Many health care professionals point out that people who are depressed sometimes consider suicide.
There have, however, been way too many reports of violent acts linked to fluoxetine and other antidepressants. Ads do list suicidal ideation along with other potential adverse events including agitation, confusion and emotional lability (extreme mood swings). “Violent behaviors” are also noted.
Most people have a very hard time imagining that someone might commit violet acts because of taking a drug. To read more about this highly controversial subject take a moment to read our column, “Drugs That Trigger Violence Behavior” and “Do Drugs Drive People to Violent Behavior?”
The stop-smoking drug Chantix has also been linked to such problems. We have heard from a number of people that when Chantix is combined with alcohol it can have some unexpected and unsavory effects.
Those taking antidepressants should contact their doctor immediately if they begin to feel suicidal or have violent urges. Family members should be especially vigilant during the early going on such drugs or when the dose is readjusted.
Anyone who would like to learn more about these issues can download for free our guide to Psychological Side Effects. If you would like to learn more about a variety of ways to deal with the blues, we recommend our guide to Dealing With Depression. There are many non-drug approaches in this booklet.
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Kelz
I am a 30 year old mother who has suffered with depression/borderline personality disorder (so they say, I personally think I only needed counselling for past life events) and have been taking fluoxetine for a while now. I was prescribed this because I was suicidal and attempted to take my life last year.
I have recently noticed that although I am on a low dose of the drug my behaviour, though no longer suicidal, is becoming increasingly irrational. I get explosively angry at the smallest of things and struggle daily keeping my temper towards my husband. Until now I would have said that the drug was working for me but recently I have begun to question whether it is in fact putting my husband at risk.
My attitude towards my children has not changed at all. It is all directed at my husband. And the explosive reactions are right on the edge of violence which then results in a guilt and depressive episode which leads to self harm.
This article has helped myself to identify that I am not at all crazy. I am correct to question the drug’s effect on my personality.
fbl
Leigh, have you researched some of the non-standard treatments for Asperger’s? I believe there is a diet approach for this condition.
Thomas G.
It is fairly well known (though I don’t remember where I learned this) that a high dose of anti-depressants can trigger a manic (bi-polar) episode in someone who has been mis-diagnosed as merely depressed, when they are in fact bi-polar. A mood disorder, such as bi-polar, can result in an anger episode. I do not know whether or not this was the cause in the case described, but it’s possible. It did for me (though, fortunately, not this severe.)
To the lady with the son who has Aspberger’s – I believe the minimum anti-depressant dose is 20 mg. When I had my “issues”, I was taking 80 mg.
dz
I appologize the mother did say he was not suicidal. My question then was what was going on that he was put on the medicine in the first place?
dz
Why was it that you did not ask the mother how old her son was? Anti-depressants are far more likely to cause suicidal reactions in children and young adults. It is true that medications should not be taken lightly but neither should depression or other psychiatric illnesses. The mother also does not mention if her son was being followed by a therapist. When messages like these are posted without showing the whole picture ie was her son suicidal before medication it makes me angry because it puts fear in people and prevents them from getting the help they need. It is also the psychiatrists responsibility to monitor a patients response closely when giving a new medication especially if the person is young or elderly. Medication is not for everyone but it does help far more people than it hurts.
Leigh
I wonder if the author of this article can make a comment here and let us know the milligrams of prozac her son was using at the time? My son who is 17 is also on Fluoxetine. He has asperger syndrome and suffered from extreme anxiety, it has been great for him so far, he is calmer and more well behaved. He takes 10 mgs per day, I was told that is a low dose and it works well for him. But I’m concerned.
fbl
I have read a number of articles about studies that show these psychiatric drugs don’t work anyway.
If you or a loved one has a problem then finding a naturally inclined Dr is essential. I have a MA in Guidance & Counseling and I personally would NOT go to a Psychiatrist.
The approach I took with my nephew was to take him to my family Dr first and have a complete homeopathic workup done after he came to live with us. He was going to be permanently incarcerated in a Psychiatric hospital if he stayed there.
He took himself off his meds as soon as he knew he was coming to live with us. Not a good idea and caused some other serious problems. Fortunately with my background I was able to get the Police and the County authorities to release him to me.
He was a physical mess. Obese, headaches, neck aches, canker sores, knee problem (Osgood Schlatter’s), depressed and acne. He was 14 years old!
He started exercising here, ate a healthy Atkins type of diet (heavier on the veggies); I experimented with vitamins and supplements and observed his behavior to find the right mix for him; took him to a chiropractor for his really serious head/neck maladjustment; then to a Behavioral Optometrist for vision therapy. To have better control, I home schooled him. He was on no medications while here.
We had no problems with his behavior and all his symptoms disappeared. After a year here he went back home. I sent an instruction package for my brother and also talked to him about continuing the program.
My brother didn’t follow through with anything at all and my nephew was back in Juvvie within a few months.
With careful observation one can figure out what is needed to help people with problems. Yes, it takes time, patience and knowledge. Many people don’t have patience for the trial and error system I used.
I have mentored home school families over the years and shared my experiences with them. It is amazing how quickly behavior can change and learning progress with just a few changes or therapies!
DS
I lost a family member to a most bizarre suicide complements of Prozac. I expect that one day there will be a heck of a class action suit, or there should be. I am frankly shocked that this medicine is still in use.
crandreww
I am so sorry to hear of your sons events…I have found MUCH evidence which supports your notion that Prozac and other Psychotropic meds are indeed causes of this type of violence. I recently read a very good book by Gwen Olsen, a former Pharmaceutical Sales rep, who reveals a lot about these drugs which she used to sell…and was very knowledgeable about…her book is called “Confessions of an ex Drug Pusher”…very informative read, especially if you have a loved one who is prescribed these rx’s.
cpmt
ALSO AMARIL and other medication- for diabetes – can also change mood and behavior.