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All Truth passes through Three Stages: First,
it is Ridiculed. Second, it is Violently Opposed... Third, it is Accepted as being Self-Evident.
- Arthur Schopenhauer (1778-1860) By Charly Groenendijk           Back to Side-Effects
The Netherlands
2000 - 2009

 
  Toxicity and Brain Damage  
 

"Who does Not Know the Truth, is simply a Fool...
Yet who Knows the Truth and Calls it a Lie, is a Criminal."
- In "Galileo Galilei" by Berthold Brecht (1898-1956)

Take notice that also non SSRI anti-depressants (and even Ritalin) may interact (primary or secondary) with the serotonergic (or serotoninergic) system in the brain.

PHYSICIANS REMEMBER... "FIRST DO NO HARM"...

SSRI/SSNRI-induced Toxicity & Brain Damage by disrupting the balance of Body & Brain Metabolism
SSRI's are "Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors." In contrast to the deceiving claim of the pharmaceutical companies that SSRI's or SSNRI's may correct some sort of "biochemical imbalance" of serotonin in the brain, all of these serotonergic agents actually cause major and dangerous imbalances in the brain and the body, evidenced by the many medical reports (below) of severe toxic neurological and physical side-effects. Neuronal re-uptake of neurotransmitters is metabolism. What serotonin re-uptake inhibitor actually means is that the SSRI-antidepressant interferes with ones ability to metabolise serotonin, so that can and will build up to toxic amounts after prolonged use. In other words, an SSRI-antidepressant impairs the ability of cells to metabolise serotonin, not only in the brain, but -since serotonin is widely distributed throughout the body- in the body as well! The greatest concentration of serotonin, around 90%, is not found in the brain, but is found in the gastrointestinal or digestive tract (human gut, intestines, bowels).

Originally, the neurotransmitter serotonin -thought to be secreted by the Pineal Gland- is called a neurohormone, because of it's specific regulatory effect on the activity of the Endocrine Glands in the human body. (1),(2) Affecting serotonin thus means also affecting the Glandular Endocrine System. Next to it, serotonin affects the Cardiovascular System and the Respiratory System, under which, the lungs. Serotonin is also found in blood platelets and stimulates platelet aggregation (blood clotting). Furthermore, serotonin is known to affect contraction of smooth muscles (such as those of the gut) and blood vessel elasticity (vasoconstriction and expansion). More information:  Serotonin & the Pineal Gland

A recent study (25 sept, 2004) shows us clearly that serotonin toxicity can even appear rapidly in a few hours after taking a single therapeutic dose of SSRI medication. In Bio-Psychiatry it is a common thought that SSRI's are believed to have their effect by inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin (downregulation of transporters) and thereby gradually increasing serotonin outside the tissue cell wall (extracellular) in the synaptic gap between brain cells (neurons) in the brain. In this important study, Zoloft (Lustral, sertraline) was given to monkeys for 4 weeks to establish how long it would take before Zoloft would have it's effect on serotonergic neurons and thus elevation of serotonin. In contrast with the commonly accepted SSRI theory, it was observed that serotonin levels raised NOT gradually, but rapidly and dramatically and kept on raising during these 4 weeks, an effect that can NOT be ascribed solely to a "re-uptake inhibition" of serotonin!

Antidepressant induced neurological and/or physical toxicity (body and/or brain damage) either as a result of prolonged inhibition of P450-2D6 liver-enzymes, or as a result of impairing serotonin metabolism, can take on many forms as described below. A few examples are:   Hyperserotonemia, such as the lifethreatening condition the Serotonin Syndrome, Epileptiform Discharges, Epileptic Seizures and/or Epilepsy, Hypoglycaemia/Hyperglycemia (Low/Elevated Blood Sugar Imbalance), Stroke/Hemorrhagic Syndromes, Frontal Lobe Syndrome, Tardive Dyskinesia/Dystonia, Parkinsonism, Akathisia, Mania, etc...

Tardive Dyskinesia/Dystonia, Parkinsonism & Akathisia
SSRI & SSNRI antidepressants induced side-effects (Iatrogenic Extrapyramidal Symptoms) are
recognized to be similar to Neuroleptic (anti-psychotic) induced side-effects. These side-effects are known as Tardive Dyskinesia/Dystonia (severe body movement disorder, mostly permanent), Parkinsonism (a sign of future Parkinson's disease) and Akathisia (a Neurological driven severe mania/agitation that can lead to suicidality, suicide attempts, self-harm & suicide). It is well documented in the medical literature that these neuroleptic induced side-effects refer to damage at dopaminergic neurons in the "motor system" of the
"Basal Ganglia", a structure deep in the "Limbic System" of the brain. 1, 2, 3, 4, http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic338.htm (scroll down)

Serotonin Syndrome
The Serotonin Syndrome is a potentially lethal condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity. It is a very dangerous and a potentially fatal side effect of the serotonergic enhancing drugs such as SSRI & SSNRI antidepressants and is diagnosed by the presence of at least 3 of 10 symptoms: mental status changes (confusion, hypomania), agitation, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, tremor, diarrhea, incoordination, and fever. This "hyperserotonergic" toxic condition requires heightened clinical awareness in order to prevent, recognize, and treat the condition promptly. Promptness is vital because, as we just mentioned, the serotonin syndrome can be fatal and death from this side effect can come very rapidly. The Serotonin syndrome is brought on by excessive levels of serotonin and is difficult to distinguish from the "Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome" because the symptoms are so similar. The "Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome" is a serious condition brought on by the use of neuroleptic drugs (anti-psychotics).
Source: Prozac: Panacea or Pandora? by Dr Ann Blake Tracy http://members.aol.com/atracyphd/syndrome.htm
Source: Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

MEDICAL REPORTS OF SSRI/SSNRI ANTIDEPRESSANT INDUCED (IATROGENIC) SEVERE SYMPTOMS:

SSRI & SSNRI Antidepressants: NEWBORN BABY (NEONATAL) NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE & WITHDRAWAL
2004 
09/00
 Case/Study Neonatal toxicity: Fluoxetine concentrations in cord & maternal serum
2004 
08/09
 WARNING Health Canada: Potential Neurological Adverse Effects of SSRI's on Newborns
2004 
08/00
 Case/Study Using an SSRI during pregnancy has Damaging Teratogenic Effects on the Fetus
2004 
06/00
 Case/Review Baby SSRI (withdrawal) side-effects: agitation, breathing & suction problems
2004 
02/00
 Case/Study SSRI's during pregnancy: Foetal Brain Damage (Neurobehavioral Disruptions)
2003 
11/00
 Case/Review Neonatal (baby) Large Intraventricular Haemorrhage with maternal use of Paxil
2003 
08/00
 Case/Review Baby SSRI (withdrawal) effects: hypoglycaemia, bradycardia, tachycardia, jaundice
2003 
07/00
 Case/Review Increased risk for neonatal problems after exposure to SSRI's in late pregnancy
2003 
07/14
 Case/Review SSRI's During Pregnancy May Cause Neurologic Symptoms in Newborns
2003 
07/12
 Case/Review Withdrawal symptoms in Baby after exposure to Effexor during pregnancy
2003 
04/16
 Case/Review Neonatal (baby) Convulsions & Subarachnoid Hemorrhage after exposure to Paxil
2001 
09/00
 Case/Review Neonatal Paxil withdrawal syndrome or actually serotonin syndrome?
2001 
03/00
 Case/Review Baby SSRI withdrawal syndrome lasting up to one month after birth
2001 
03/00
 Case/Review BABY Withdrawal Syndrome after exposure to SSRI's Celexa, Paxil & Prozac
2000 
10/11
 Case/Review Prozac Toxicity in preterm infant: marked motor automatism & skin manifestations
1999 
11/00
 Case/Study Breastfeeding while taking Prozac associated with reduced growth infants
1997 
11/00
 Case/Review SSRI's, Breast Milk and Baby Withdrawal Symptoms

Abnormalities in Brain Cells (Neurons)
2004 
06/21
 Animal Study SSRI disrupts development of neural circuitry during cortical synaptic formation
2002 
04/15
 Bio-Study Neuronal Cell Death induced by Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
2000 
02/29
 Animal Study Prozac & other SSRI's cause Shriveled & Corkscrew Shaped Brain Cells
1999 
09/25
 Animal Study Prozac Induces Muscle Contractions and has other Molecular Targets Part2
1999 
-1998
 Dr Ann.B.Tracy SSRI induced hypoglycaemia & raised cortisol levels: Braincells Die 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
1998 
09/01
 Animal Study Brain cell (neuron) function in forebrain altered by prenatal exposure to Prozac
1998 
08/00
 Animal Study Reduced activity of rat dopaminergic neurons in the VTA may explain "Akathisia"
1997 
00/00
 Animal Study Prenatal exposure to Prozac produces changes in brain serotonin (5-HT) neurons
1992 
10/00
 Animal Study Site specific malformations in mouse embryos following exposure to SSRI's

Abnormalities in the "Motor System", deep in older part of the brain (basal ganglia of the limbic system).
2004 
-2000
 Antidepres.Facts SSRI induced Akathisia: a neurological state of restlessness and agitation
2004 
01/16
 The Hilltop Bruxism -Nocturnal TeethGrinding: Anti-depressants causing Damage to Teeth
2002 
05/00
 J.Clin.Psychiatry Case Report: Dystonia Induced by Mirtazapine (Remeron)
2001 
07/00
 J.Clin.Psychiatry Case Report: SSRI-Induced Akathisia & Nefazodone (Serzone)
2000 
00/00
 Dr Jos.Glenmullen SSRI induced "Parkinsonism", Muscle Spasms and "Tardive Dyskinesia"
1999 
06/00
 J.Clin.Psychiatry Case Report: SSRI-Induced Parkinsonism (future Parkinson's)

Neurological & Physical Side-Effects of dangerous condition "Hyperserotonemia"
2004 
-2000
 Antidepres.Facts The Serotonin Syndrome: a serious, dangerous & potentially fatal condition
2000 
04/00
 J.Ch.Adol.Psych. Child, 9; liver cytochrome P-450 2D6 deficiency; Prozac-related death
1999 
-1998
 Dr Ann.B. Tracy Increased Serotonin: psychosis, mania, aggression, autism, anorexia, abortions
1998 
08/28
 MIT News Too much Serotonin damages Blood Vessels, particularly in the Lungs
1994 
00/00
 Psychph.Bulletin SSRI Toxicity by inhibition of Cytochrome P450 Isoenzymes Related Link

(SSRI/SSNRI) Antidepressants
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Buspirone: Buspar or Neurosine
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Citalopram: Celexa or Cipramil
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Escitalopram: Cipralex or Lexapro
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Duloxetine: Cymbalta
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Venlafaxine: Effexor or Efexor
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Paroxetine: Paxil, Seroxat, Aropax or Pexeva
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Fluoxetine: Prozac or Sarafem
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Mirtazapine: Remeron or Remergil
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Nefazodone: Serzone or Dutonin
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Trazodone: Trazodone or Desyrel
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Bupropion: Wellbutrin or Zyban
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  Sertraline: Zoloft or Lustral
Antidepressant 
Side-Effects
  ALL SSRI's: SSRI & SSNRI Antidepressants

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