Abstract |
Several reports were published in the psychiatric literature in 1990 and 1991 documenting fluoxetine ( Prozac) causing patients to consider or attempt suicide. During the following 2 years, retrospective studies appeared in the medical literature that seemed to indicate that suicidal preoccupation was not related to the antidepressant fluoxetine ( Prozac) but was probably a symptom of the depressive illness. Recent studies have suggested, however, that fluoxetine ( Prozac) may in fact lead to suicidal behavior because the drug appears to adversely affect serotonergic neuronal discharge and induce an akathisia-like extrapyramidal reaction. While fluoxetine ( Prozac) has a very favorable side effect profile compared to the tricyclic antidepressants, it may cause akathisia and induce a small subset of patients to consider or attempt suicide.
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Authors | M J Tueth |
Journal | The Journal of emergency medicine
(J Emerg Med)
1994 Sep-Oct
Vol. 12
Issue 5
Pg. 685-7
ISSN: 0736-4679 [Print] United States |
PMID | 7989697
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Akathisia, Drug-Induced
(etiology)
- Depressive Disorder
(drug therapy, psychology)
- Fluoxetine
(adverse effects)
- Humans
- Suicide
(psychology)
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