SSRI Medications Involved in Mass Shootings?

The excess serotonin activity produces a spectrum of specific symptoms including cognitive, autonomic, and somatic effects. The symptoms may range from barely perceptible to fatal.[1] Numerous drugs and drug combinations have been reported to produce serotonin syndrome.

Wikipedia: Seratonin Syndrome

What originally brought the connection between SSRI's and mass shootings to my attention was when I saw James Holmes, the Batman shooter, in court and could tell right away that he was suffering from too much serotonin in his system. Later, I found out that police had found unprescribed bottles of SSRI's in his apartment.

Then I found this from a Wikipedia article on Columbine:

Medication
In one of his scheduled meetings with his psychiatrist, Eric Harris complained of depression, anger and possessing suicidal thoughts. As a result, he was prescribed the anti-depressant Zoloft. He complained of feeling restless and having trouble concentrating; in April, his doctor switched him to Luvox, a similar anti-depressant drug.[16] At the time of his death, Harris had therapeutic Luvox levels in his system. Some analysts, such as psychiatrist Peter Breggin, have argued that one or both of these medications may have contributed to Harris's actions. Breggin said that side-effects of these drugs include increased aggression, loss of remorse, depersonalization, and mania.[17]

Wikipedia: Columbine

Just now, when trying to find a link to a source to show about James Holmes, I found this... dear Lord. This website has hundreds of cases where SSRi's lead to violence, lots of them mass shootings, some of the defendants even won in court based on the influence of the SSRI's (which I agree is an issue, as they are often forced on people and hard to get off).

SSRI Stories Index

I am of the firm belief that SSRI medications can be extremely dangerous. But wow... look at that website. It is a pretty thorough index.

Any case that has a medication dose change (such as a dosage increase, or a withdrawal, or sporadic usage) is highly likely to be directly linked to the SSRI's - in fact, it has been recommended that people get hospitalized when trying to get off of them.

James Holmes was probably using them sporadically and without prescription, which would account for his strange actions. I think that a majority of violent or sporadic actions would result from a sudden change in dosage.

reply to post by darkbake


You're not alone in wondering this! Interesting post, thanks!

I thought this was already known and proven! the evil "harmaceutcial" industry was originally the opium traders who are still drugging people legally today.
create a group of false mental illnesses, diagnose individuals, drug them, get their insurance to pay the moolah. what a plan! too bad it's backfiring and these overmedicated kids are lashing out.

I'm opening up a bit, so here goes nothing....


I personally take an SNRI, which is rather similar to SSRI's. An SNRI is a Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Not only does it work on the principle that receptors on the brain reabsorb serotonin too quickly, this preventing you from feeling "good" about things that normally you should enjoy feeling good about, but it also works to slow down the reabsorbtion of Noerpinephrine, which I can imagine should have the same impact. Allowing you to "feel good" about things that you should feel good about. When depression sets in, the stuff you used to feel good about, you just don't. Playing with your dog, seeing friends, doing well at work, etc.

I have dealt with depression and anxiety all of my life. I didn't fully realize it until the last handful of years. I feel that I handle it better now than I *ever* have, and as a result am a better person, and easier to be friends with.

Now, the effects of these drugs are cumulative. Increased dosage, you get a more dramatic effect. I almost wonder if the term "exponential" shouldn't be used here to some advantage in describing the dosage rates.

I personally feel, especially when I see articles / threads like this, that alot of people don't understand that in some cases it may have sincerely bad side effects, in others, it actually does manage to help.

I am not accusing anyone, let alone the OP, of saying anything to the contrary. I've just always wondered what the overall perception was regarding this.

Now, I can honestly say I am happier on the medication. I feel that it helps balance a chemical imbalance within my body. It feels "strange" writing that, because frankly, I've never been comfortable admitting it, but I've had to learn to accept it, and accept the fact that with it, things are easier and better in my life.

Now, I'll also say, I'm not 100% thrilled with the drug. I wish it were more of a complete answer. I feel there are glaring holes in it's effectiveness. I have good and bad days, not unlike everyone else. I just cannot help but feel that I do have more bad days than a "normal" person does. The thought of changing drugs is scary as hell, as first you have to slowly ween yourself (with your Dr supervising) off of what you're on, and then slowly ramp up on a new drug to the appropriate level. Even as it stands, it can honestly take a year for the medication to ramp up to its full effectiveness. So, yeah, the thought of telling my Dr I wanted to try something different is scary.

One thing I have done, I've followed news on medical testing and advancements in this area. The NIH did an interesting study with the spice called Turmeric which is commonly found in Indian cuisine. They found that the overall effectiveness of 1000MG of Turmeric a day was better than that of a standard daily dose of Prozac. 79% reported improved mood and lesser depression symptoms compared to 73% reporting similar positive effects from Prozac. I though to myself, well, it's a natural substance, so I decided to give it a try on top of what I normally take. I've been taking it for about 3 months now. I can honestly say, I've felt better. Now, I'm no fool. I am well aware of the placebo effect. I do however question whether the placebo effect can actually kick in if you are aware of it and question it yourself But, as I said, I do feel better, and intend to continue my use of it.

Please consult your own medical doctor before trying anything. I am not offering advice, merely relaying my own story to you here.


So, please, keep in mind, whereas there has been some tragedy associated with this class of medication, there is some benefit, too.


- SN

reply to post by darkbake


They seem to be present in all of them. Our drug the problem generation is coming home to roost. Yet our lovely MSM isn't touching it.

Nice to see that the influence of big Pharma is alive and well...

I personally think as a healthcare professional that any conspiracies relating to medication on ATS should be banned.

now before you all get over excited let me explain why

this thread is essentially saying that people should not take SSRI's because they have all these nasty risks, so say you are depressed and you read this on ATS and stop taking your meds that could have disastrous effects on your health.

There are just way to many armchair doctors and Nurses on ATS and its dangerous.

"dont take your SSRI's" might be one thread another might be "dont take your anti-psychotics, the voices are from another dimension and you are gifted" then another might be "the flu shot is bad for you" and so on.

none of it is based on sound academic evidence.

if you are worried about taking SSRI's go speak to your doctor for a alternative.

OtherSideOfTheCoin
I personally think as a healthcare professional that any conspiracies relating to medication on ATS should be banned.

now before you all get over excited let me explain why

this thread is essentially saying that people should not take SSRI's because they have all these nasty risks, so say you are depressed and you read this on ATS and stop taking your meds that could have disastrous effects on your health.

There are just way to many armchair doctors and Nurses on ATS and its dangerous.

"dont take your SSRI's" might be one thread another might be "dont take your anti-psychotics, the voices are from another dimension and you are gifted" then another might be "the flu shot is bad for you" and so on.

none of it is based on sound academic evidence.

if you are worried about taking SSRI's go speak to your doctor for a alternative.

In all reality this is precisely why I shared something rather private (and not entirely easy to share so publicly) about myself so as to bring about a different viewpoint on the situation.

I believe that they do help.

However, just like a gun is a tool that can be used to many ends, I do think there is the potential for this medication to be used in such a way as to ensure a negative outcome. I do find it rather suspicious that almost all mass shootings end up with the shooter on what could be considered HIGH doses of the medication. I've known people who were on higher doses than I am, and they seemed, well, a little fuzzy. I can only imagine what a greater dose would do.

I am only speculating, as an intelligent person who has experienced a variety of this medication first hand.


- SN

reply to post by seagull


I agree the drugs seem to play their part...


Efficient Gun Control that makes sense.

In 1863 a Democrat shot and killed Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States .
In 1881 a left wing radical Democrat shot James Garfield, President of the United States , who later died from the wound.
In 1963 a radical left wing socialist shot and killed John F. Kennedy, President of the United States .
In 1975 a left wing radical Democrat fired shots at Gerald Ford, President of the United States .
In 1983 a registered Democrat shot and wounded Ronald Reagan, President of the United States .
In 1984 James Hubert, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 22 people in a McDonalds restaurant.
In 1986 Patrick Sherrill, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 15 people in an Oklahoma post office.
In 1990 James Pough, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 10 people at a GMAC office.
In 1991 George Hennard, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 23 people in a Luby's cafeteria.
In 1995 James Daniel Simpson, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 5 coworkers in a Texas laboratory.
In 1999 Larry Asbrook, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 8 people at a church service.
In 2001 a left wing radical Democrat fired shots at the White House in a failed attempt to kill George W. Bush, President of the US .
In 2003 Douglas Williams, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 7 people at a Lockheed Martin plant.
In 2007 a registered Democrat named Seung - Hui Cho, shot and killed 32 people in Virginia Tech.
In 2010 a mentally ill registered Democrat named Jared Lee Loughner, shot Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and killed 6 others.
In 2011 a registered Democrat named James Holmes, went into a movie theater and shot and killed 12 people.
In 2012 Andrew Engeldinger, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 7 people in Minneapolis .
In 2013 a registered Democrat named Adam Lanza, shot and killed 26 people in a school.
TODAY An angry Democrat shoots 12 at a Navy ship yard.

One could go on, but you get the point, even if the media does not. Clearly, there is a problem with Democrats and guns.

No NRA member, Tea Party member, or Republican conservatives were involved.

SOLUTION: It should be illegal for Democrats to own guns.

This was an email I received and thought it was funny... Not vetted by me by any means; just interesting.

I am so glad none of my kids or family have ever needed to be drugged to survive in this world... I have certainly known people who were on anti depressants or had kids they put on Ritalin... I would think 10 or 20 years on some SSRI drugs (one seems to wear off so another is used then another etc etc) would have a propensity to mess with one's mind and emotions when they become ineffective.

727Sky
reply to post by seagull

 

I agree the drugs seem to play their part...


Efficient Gun Control that makes sense.

In 1863 a Democrat shot and killed Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States .
In 1881 a left wing radical Democrat shot James Garfield, President of the United States , who later died from the wound.
In 1963 a radical left wing socialist shot and killed John F. Kennedy, President of the United States .

Good for a chuckle and point well taken! And it's a good observation, too.

I actually intended to state that whereas I feel it is strange that it seems all mass shootings involve SSRI's, it's also *entirely* fair to say that well, it's highly more likely and probably that a person who has a mental health issue is involved.

I have heard mention though, that the prescribed doses were significantly higher than the MSRP (if you will) suggested "normal" dose.

I should have made that distinction more evident.


- SN

reply to post by SadistNocturne


Thanks I do agree with you. The drugs do manage to help in a lot of cases.

Also, getting off of them without the help of a psychiatrist would not be a good idea, and could result in one of the situations listed on that website.

I think a much safer assumption to make that there is a connection to dosage increase / decrease and especially sporadic use to violent or erratic behavior. A lot of that is actually done without a psychiatrist watching.

In fact, I believe that it is pretty much a fact that dosage change (especially withdrawal) can cause violent and erratic behavior, if you check out that website, there are court cases that have been won with that defense.

Like I mentioned, in James Holmes' case, the bottles of SSRI medications were found in his apartment and I don't think he was following doctor's orders correctly.

darkbake
reply to post by SadistNocturne

 

Thanks

I do agree with you. The drugs do manage to help in a lot of cases. Also, getting off of them without the help of a psychiatrist would not be a good idea, and could result in one of the situations listed on that website.

I think a much safer assumption to make (I think I mentioned this earlier) is that there is a connection to dosage increase / decrease and especially sporadic use to violent or erratic behavior. A lot of that is actually done without a psychiatrist watching.

Like I mentioned, in James Holmes' case, the bottles of SSRI medications were found in his apartment and I don't think he was following doctor's orders correctly.

In my own case, thanks, you have made me reconsider getting off anti-depressants because I am not really experiencing too many negative side-effects. It is hard to know what to do when I have been on them for more than ten years.

edit on 1-10-2013 by darkbake because: (no reason given)

Excellent point to make about the lack of prescription.

Now, let me slip my tin foil hat on...ahh...there....

There have been a rather easy trail of dots to follow as far as the connection between James Holmes and DARPA as well as (if my memory serves me) his father working in the CIA ? I tend to think that if there IS anything linked to high doses and mass shootings, this could be more of a link between groups like DARPA or the CIA and the mass shootings. It seems like there might be some sort of personality conditioning going on here. Sorry, no links to provide on this, I'm sure you can search here on ATS and find info to support or shred what I just said to your liking

So, yeah...interesting situation none the less.


- SN

From some personal experience that stuff made me crazy( be nice), lol

However through the years I have noticed it seems to have very harmful effects on men, specifically men can't handle the side effects.

OtherSideOfTheCoin
I personally think as a healthcare professional that any conspiracies relating to medication on ATS should be banned.

There are just way to many armchair doctors and Nurses on ATS and its dangerous.

"dont take your SSRI's" might be one thread another might be "dont take your anti-psychotics, the voices are from another dimension and you are gifted" then another might be "the flu shot is bad for you" and so on.

if you are worried about taking SSRI's go speak to your doctor for a alternative.

That is (IMO) just plain ridiculous. Banned? Did you say banned? Glad you're not a site owner.

Nobody that I saw said "Don't take your meds, they're evil and you'll kill people or yourself." There was just attention brought to the very real fact that there can be side effect to these types of medications.

Banned, really?

727Sky
reply to post by seagull

 

I agree the drugs seem to play their part...


Efficient Gun Control that makes sense.

In 1863 a Democrat shot and killed Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States .
In 1881 a left wing radical Democrat shot James Garfield, President of the United States , who later died from the wound.
In 1963 a radical left wing socialist shot and killed John F. Kennedy, President of the United States .
In 1975 a left wing radical Democrat fired shots at Gerald Ford, President of the United States .
In 1983 a registered Democrat shot and wounded Ronald Reagan, President of the United States .
In 1984 James Hubert, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 22 people in a McDonalds restaurant.
In 1986 Patrick Sherrill, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 15 people in an Oklahoma post office.
In 1990 James Pough, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 10 people at a GMAC office.
In 1991 George Hennard, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 23 people in a Luby's cafeteria.
In 1995 James Daniel Simpson, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 5 coworkers in a Texas laboratory.
In 1999 Larry Asbrook, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 8 people at a church service.
In 2001 a left wing radical Democrat fired shots at the White House in a failed attempt to kill George W. Bush, President of the US .
In 2003 Douglas Williams, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 7 people at a Lockheed Martin plant.
In 2007 a registered Democrat named Seung - Hui Cho, shot and killed 32 people in Virginia Tech.
In 2010 a mentally ill registered Democrat named Jared Lee Loughner, shot Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and killed 6 others.
In 2011 a registered Democrat named James Holmes, went into a movie theater and shot and killed 12 people.
In 2012 Andrew Engeldinger, a disgruntled Democrat, shot and killed 7 people in Minneapolis .
In 2013 a registered Democrat named Adam Lanza, shot and killed 26 people in a school.
TODAY An angry Democrat shoots 12 at a Navy ship yard.

One could go on, but you get the point, even if the media does not. Clearly, there is a problem with Democrats and guns.

No NRA member, Tea Party member, or Republican conservatives were involved.

SOLUTION: It should be illegal for Democrats to own guns.

This was an email I received and thought it was funny... Not vetted by me by any means; just interesting.

I am so glad none of my kids or family have ever needed to be drugged to survive in this world... I have certainly known people who were on anti depressants or had kids they put on Ritalin... I would think 10 or 20 years on some SSRI drugs (one seems to wear off so another is used then another etc etc) would have a propensity to mess with one's mind and emotions when they become ineffective.

Thanks... and I'll show you why.

Virginia Tech.

At Virginia Tech in 2007, where 32 were murdered, authorities found “prescription medications related to the treatment of psychological problems had been found among Mr. Cho’s effects,” according to the New York Times.

Psych Meds Linked to 90% of Shootings

Jared Laughner. There we go! He seems to have only been on recreational drugs like acid. So there is one.

Was a psychiatric illness beginning? Maybe, but it's difficult to tell, because Loughner had by then used a lot of drugs — not just pot but also hallucinogens like acid, according to Smith

The Troubled Life of Jared Laughner

James Holmes.

It comes as no surprise to many of us that pharmaceutical drugs played their part in warping the mind of this young man.

I don't want this thread to turn into a conspiracy discussing regarding the actions and events of that day. This thread is to discuss the potent effects and clear consequences of feeding drugs to our children by age 5.

As predicted, James Holmes was Taking Violence Linked Anti-Depressant Drugs

Thank you, Tenth Your thread was on the Google search.

Adam Lanza.

Some 90 percent of school shootings over more than a decade have been linked to a widely prescribed type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, according to British psychiatrist Dr. David Healy, a founder of RxISK.org, an independent website for researching and reporting on prescription drugs.

Though there has been no definitive confirmation that drugs played a role in the Newtown, Conn., assault, that killed 20 children and six adults, media have cited family members and acquaintances saying suspect Adam Lanza was taking prescription medication to treat “a neurological-development disorder,” possibly Aspergers.

Healy cautioned that the public needs “to wait to find out what Adam Lanza was on, and whether his behavior does fit the template of a treatment-induced problem.”

However, in an email to WND, he said he suspected prescribed psychiatric medications was the cause of Lanza’s violent behavior.

Read more at www.wnd.com...

reply to post by SadistNocturne


You might find this thread of interest. www.abovetopsecret.com...

In response to a poster above that thinks any discussion regarding medication conspiracies should be banned from ATS, I have to respectfully disagree. In pulling back layers, we sometimes see some nasty little dots that should be investigated. We could be wrong about our conclusions, but....we could be right. Common sense and facts should prevail.

While some people legitimately NEED SSRI's to help give them the necessary quality of life to function, they are vastly over prescribed and most probably abused.

reply to post by OtherSideOfTheCoin


I saw that... sorry, I disagree. There are healthcare professionals that are worried about this issue that I am bringing up. As a healthcare professional yourself, I certainly hope you are aware of the dangers involving withdrawals from SSRI's and the dangers involving taking them without a prescription or erratically.

I think part of the problem is lack of education in the healthcare profession. The pharmaceutical industries publish a lot of literature, do they not?

I see your point of course, because messing with medications on one's own can be dangerous. That's why I want to stick behind erratic usage for the most part. Also, some people could over-react and not go on medications that might otherwise help them, definitely true and noted.

So yeah, definitely consult your healthcare professional before adjusting medication dosages and don't take them without a prescription.

It's a complicated thing, these SSRI's. They are basically a brute force method to kicking someone out of their depression... they can be powerful and for some they do not seem to work at all but for others they make a BIG difference.

I will say i do think there are probably people on these things who are, either not on enough, on too much, or not taking them properly, taking other stuff causing weird interactions, who knows there are so many other factors. And of course, probably some who shouldn't be on them at all.

But for those like me, there was really no other option (tried everything else before i gave in) and they have helped a LOT. I feel pretty lucky because i do think... in some people they can maybe have unpredictable ... outcomes.

reply to post by elcapitano75


Thanks, good to hear another positive story. This could be more related to unprofessional usage. For example, check out this:

Wikipedia: SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

Wikipedia: Seratonin Syndrome

I think both are most likely to cause problems during medication fluctuations in dosage. I believe the discontinuation syndrome can cause violent and erratic behavior, while the Serotonin Syndrome might cause hyper-mania and confusion (that may result from a sudden increase in dose).

queenofswords
While some people legitimately NEED SSRI's to help give them the necessary quality of life to function, they are vastly over prescribed and most probably abused.

I thoroughly agree with the idea that these medicines are being prescribed too commonly.

I know for a fact that I could tell you a list of symptoms to complain to your doctor about, with the 90% likely hood of being given a prescription of X drug in return. Now, fair enough, it's cheating to do so, but it just seems like here, here's a pill.

I think alot of this also is involved in how the drug companies are marketing directly to patients. I do not feel that I as an individual, intelligent and informed, am a good candidate for this targeted marketing. I believe that this information should come from the Dr. Where someone might benefit just as well if not better to a few sessions of therapy, I think it has become common for people to ask for a specific drug and be given it. Let's face it, the Dr's have enough paid-for advertising in their office perpetuating the notion that the patient is doing the right thing in asking for it directly.

- SN