Dangerous Prescribed Drugs

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Ysep
• Background: Former FDA and pharmaceutical industry drug safety expert
• Focus: Common drugs with rare but severe side effects

Antidepressants (SSRIs)

• Examples: Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil
• Side Effects:
  • Paradoxical reactions: increased anxiety, agitation, suicidal, homicidal, psychotic behaviors
  • Notable Cases:
    • David Carmichel: Killed son during Paxil-induced psychotic episode
    • Donald Shell: Killed family and self during a psychotic reaction
• Label Warning: Boxed warning for suicidal behavior, PSSD (post-SSRI sexual dysfunction)

ADHD Medications

• Examples: Adderall, Ritalin, Strattera
• Side Effects:
  • Severe behavioral problems, similar to stimulant drugs like cocaine
  • Notable Case: Natalie: Mania on Ritalin, resulting in life disturbances
• Label Warning: Risk of psychiatric adverse reactions

Aripiprazole (Abilify)

• Usage: Antipsychotic and antidepressant
• Side Effects:
  • Compulsive behaviors (e.g., gambling, shopping, sex addiction)
  • Notable Cases:
    • Abby Hawksley: $10,000 shopping spree
    • Las Vegas Woman: Developed a gambling addiction
• FDA Investigation: Confirmed compulsive behavior; updated labels

Varenicline (Chantix)

• Usage: Smoking cessation
• Side Effects:
  • Neuropsychiatric side effects: aggression, delirium
  • Notable Case: Carter Albrecht: Killed during aggressive delirium
• Label Warning: Boxed warning for psychiatric side effects

Z-Drugs (Sleeping Medications)

• Examples: Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta
• Side Effects:
  • Sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other unconscious behaviors
  • Notable Case: Kerry Kennedy: Drove erratically after taking Ambien
• Label Warning: Updated due to reports of erratic behaviors

Mefloquine (Lariam)

• Usage: Malaria prevention
• Side Effects:
  • Severe neuropsychiatric side effects
  • Notable Case: Alana Cutland: Died during a psychotic episode
• Label Warning: Boxed warning for severe side effects

Montelukast (Singulair)

• Usage: Asthma and allergies
• Side Effects:
  • Severe psychiatric side effects: suicidal thoughts, depression
  • Notable Case: Nicholas England: Suicide after starting Singulair
• FDA Investigation: Confirmed side effects; updated labeling

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

• Usage: Severe acne treatment
• Side Effects:
  • Severe psychiatric side effects: depression, suicidal thoughts
  • Notable Case: BJ Stupak: Suicide allegedly linked to Accutane
• Label Warning: Mood disturbances and psychiatric risks

Finasteride (Propecia)

• Usage: Male pattern baldness
• Side Effects:
  • Post-Finasteride Syndrome: depression, cognitive problems, sexual dysfunction
  • Label Warning: Inadequate placement in labeling

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics

• Examples: Levofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin
• Side Effects:
  • Severe psychiatric and neurological problems
  • Notable Case: Bobby Caldwell: Disabled after taking fluoroquinolones
• Label Warning: Updated due to severe side effects

Conclusion

• Caution: Awareness of potential side effects is critical
• Communication: Need for better warnings from doctors and the FDA

Additional Resources

• Playlist: Real life stories of people affected by these drugs