Nearly a week ago a group of Italians sent this post written after one of their number gave up his struggle with PSSD and the system. We've been very slow posting it - partly because of the emotions it stirs. Its quiet beginning and contained fury at the end conjured up Marc Antony's speech after Caesar's assassination. I Come to Bury Marchino Goodbye Marchino.. Little … [Read more...] about Farewell Marchino
Suicide
Heather Roberts: Heroine for our Times
This post is to honor the life, work, and words of our dear friend and regular blog contributor, Heather Roberts, who sadly we have learned died peacefully at her home on 20th October after a short illness. Heather campaigned alongside us in memory of her son, Olly, who had a severe adverse reaction to the prescribed medication Roaccutane. We would like to honor Heather’s … [Read more...] about Heather Roberts: Heroine for our Times
Children of the Cure: Fear of Lying
Samizdat has just published Children of the Cure - the Preface of which is here This Book is not a Game. Quotes from the text are in Hand of History on davidhealy.org. Most of the first chapter is below. Flying to Philadelphia Shelley Jofre was 32 when she got on a plane to Philadelphia in May 2002. People teased her about looking even younger. She is short and slight. … [Read more...] about Children of the Cure: Fear of Lying
Montelukast: Beyond the Black Box
Dozens of these buttons flooded the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) headquarters at a meeting for the widely prescribed asthma/allergy medication, montelukast (brand name, Singulair). The message was simple: “The benefits did not outweigh the risks.” As each button approached the podium, the panel of experts heard gut-wrenching testimonials about the … [Read more...] about Montelukast: Beyond the Black Box
Causes Sexual Dysfunction, Suicide and Birth Defects?
Everyone who reads RxISK posts will know that SSRI and related drugs (some antibiotics, painkillers, antihistamines and most antidepressants) can cause sexual dysfunction. This has been known since 1961. And that they can cause suicide. This has been known since 1959. And that they can cause birth defects. The first publication by an Australian obstetrician, William … [Read more...] about Causes Sexual Dysfunction, Suicide and Birth Defects?
Everything’s in Hand: Isotretinoin and the Usual Guff
Niks aan de Hand - Nothing out of hand. This item has just appeared in the BMJ: An expert group has been reconvened to review recent safety data relating to the acne drug isotretinoin (Roaccutane) and evaluate the risk of sexual and psychiatric adverse effects, including suicide. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency’s isotretinoin expert working group … [Read more...] about Everything’s in Hand: Isotretinoin and the Usual Guff
Extinction Revolt?
Editorial Note: Following the Montelukast, Fluoroquinolone and Psychotropic post, there is a comment from Heather Roberts to which David Healy responded. The edited comments are here. This led to an email exchange between HR and DH which follows. Along with Wendy Dolin and her MISSD website (see above) and Billiam James' Akathisia Anthem, Heather and her husband David have … [Read more...] about Extinction Revolt?
Montelukast, Fluoroquinolone, Psychotropic Withdrawal & Toxicity
Last week's post on Montelukast Withdrawal Syndrome has attracted comments at a higher rate than any prior post in 7 years of RxISK posts. It followed a post on Asthma causing Suicide and Homicide two weeks previously, which had links to the QuarterWatch 2015 report of adverse events in children fingering montelukast and suicidality as the second most common pediatric … [Read more...] about Montelukast, Fluoroquinolone, Psychotropic Withdrawal & Toxicity
Montelukast Withdrawal Syndrome
When my happy, full-of-life, adventure-seeking 11-year-old son experienced severe, debilitating neuropsychiatric symptoms after stopping his asthma medication, I embarked on a journey in a desperate search for answers. How could a medication that acts on the respiratory system reduce my healthy child to a lifeless shell? How could our beloved doctor not discuss the … [Read more...] about Montelukast Withdrawal Syndrome
When Asthma leads to Suicide or Homicide
It seems like it's all happening in Wales at the moment. Wales Online last week reported on two children who developed suicidal behaviour and change of personalities on montelukast - Singulair. It was two mother who pieced the story together in the case of their children and confirmed the link to the drug by getting it stopped and seeing the problem clear up. … [Read more...] about When Asthma leads to Suicide or Homicide