12/26/2003

12-Year Old Attempts Suicide on Luvox

http://www.drugawareness.org/Archives/Survivors/record0018.html

“He honestly did not know that his actions could kill him.”

Please read my letter and respond. Feel free to use this story, but I ask that it be circulated without my name for the time being. I have enclosed my personal information so that I may receive a response.

I discovered the ICFDA after my son tried to jump out a window in 1997. He was 12 years old and had been taking Luvox for a few months for obsessive compulsive disorder. (My son was not taking medication for depression.) He was lucky enough to be stopped by a teacher passing by in the hallway. I immediately knew it had to be caused by side effects from the drug. His behavior lately had begun to disturb me and I assumed it was because of the Luvox, but when I voiced these concerns to his doctor, I was assured that "Luvox had no side effects". It was as if he suddenly became unaware of consequences. I merely put two and two together: the drug was supposed to alleviate obsessive compulsive thought, and obsessive compulsive thought is excessive worry over possible consequences. This medicine was eliminating his worries by eliminating his awareness of consequences, but it eliminated his ability to process real and likely consequences along with the unrealistic and unlikely consequences. He honestly did not know that his actions could kill him.

As I began to research of the side effects of SSRIs, I came across the ICFDA website and have been a subscriber every since 1997. I corresponded with Mark Miller a few years ago and had benefited greatly from his guidance. I was able to put together a well researched presentation to my son's school psychologist and a few teachers regarding the dangers of SSRIs and I'd like to think that I've at least had some impact on making people aware of these dangers. Since the school library prides itself on maintaining books that provide a broad range of viewpoints on any given subject, the library accepted Dr. Tracy's book that I donated. (They previously had just a couple of books that only extolled the virtues of SSRIs).

During the last six years I have struggled with how to share my experience without violating my son's privacy. It has been very difficult for me to weigh the damage I may cause to my son's peace of mind that has been so difficult to attain, and my need to be a part of preventing the horrors that can come from the side effects of SSRIs, especially in children. Now that this matter is finally before the Senate, I would to contribute, but I need more information about testifying or attending.

I had contacted Anuja Patel at the FDA and received a response regarding testifying at the hearings on February 2, but I am unsure if this means I will absolutely have this opportunity. I read in the drugawareness newsletter that speakers have already been scheduled, so I would like to know if it is possible to secure a time slot.

Unlike other parents who have suffered the ultimate loss because of these side effects, my son is alive. He is alive and can speak for those who can no longer speak. He can testify that he "was not in his right mind" and that he never intended to kill himself.

My son is a college freshman now. He is very intelligent, articulate and respected by his peers and his teachers. I would like to know if it is possible for him to testify at the Senate hearings.

I would greatly appreciate any further information you can give me about attending and/or speaking at the Senate hearings. Thank you.

Sincerely,