A toxicologist
will tell an inquest in Leeds tomorrow that he believes Prozac caused his
wife to kill herself.
Alastair Hay, professor of environmental toxicology at Leeds
University, will give evidence of the build-up of the antidepressant in
his wife, Wendy, who hanged herself in September. She had taken Prozac for
five weeks.
Mrs Hay, 52, overcame a first episode of depression. In April 1999, she
was prescribed Seroxat - like Prozac, a drug of the selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. After a bad reaction, she was given
Prozac.
The depression returned last year, and she took Prozac. After her
death, Prof Hay found research suggesting a link between SSRIs and
suicidal agitation. He believes for some people the standard Prozac dose
is too high. Eli Lilly, maker of Prozac, said there was "no credible
evidence" Prozac caused suicidal behaviour.
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