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Serotonin reuptake inhibitor causes suicide attempts
Why does the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor SSRIs which is an antidepressant could possibly cause suicide? I've been diagnosed with depression and I've been taking seropram(SSRIs) for the past 6 months. I haven't asked my doctor about it yet I've read a black warning that it says the possible suicide attempt. I'm 17 and I don't know why it does cause suicide attempts when it is an antidepressant. I'm afraid I might think of it. I'm confused. Please do help me and let me understand. thank you.
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If you were going to have an adverse reaction, you would likely have already had it.
I know when I was on SSRIs I attempted suicide several times. For me, it was because they made me manic (I was misdiagnosed with depression, turns out I have bipolar disorder). People in a manic state are more likely to attempt suicide.
If you are concerned, you should talk to your doctor next time you see them to ease your mind. Every medication comes with its risks - your doctor will have evaluated those risks and decided that you will be fine.
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There have been documented cases linking use of this type of medication with worsening depression and some suicides (which does strike as odd for and anti-depressant, true). Brand marketed as Seroxat by GSK in UK was a notorious case, mainly because some GP's reports of suicides following prescription were ignored/suppressed by GSK. It has to be listed as a possible side-effect since enquiry, and rightly so. The cases were not that many in number, but even one suicide as a direct result of the medication itself would be too much. Basically, if you feel more depressed taking them, and definitely if you have suicidal thoughts see your doctor straight away and tell him/her. You won't be dismissed or doubted, it is a known possible effect. Hence it's on the drug leaflet/box.
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You've been taking the drug for six months, so don't worry, you are likely just fine.
Truth is, no one is exactly sure how SSRIs work. There are plenty of theories, but chances are they work a bit differently in different people.
A small percentage of people experience more suicidal thoughts when they take SSRIs - or when they start to wean themselves off the pills.
It's not something to be terrified of. They don't MAKE you commit sucide, you just need to be aware of what you are experiencing and let your doctor know if the pills seem to make you feel worse, because they make most people feel much better, but a few people do feel worse.
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