Guest guest Posted November 28, 2005 Report Share Posted November 28, 2005 SSRI-Research@ Sun, 27 Nov 2005 20:20:58 -0500 [sSRI-Research] SSRIs: Toxicity and Brain Damage SSRIs: 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) http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/toxicity-brain-damage.htm 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: Go to: Newborn Baby (Neonatal) Neurological Damage & Withdrawal Go to: General Physical & Mental Side-Effects Go to: Body Movement Disorders (Dystonia) & Parkinsonism (future Parkinson's disease) Go to: Akathisia, Mania, Restlessness & Restless Legs Syndrome Go to: Serotonin Syndrome, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Go to: Blood/Organ Diseases, Stroke, Hemorrhage, TIA, Tumours & Bleedings Go to: Hepato Toxicity (Liver Damage) Go to: Cardiovascular Toxicity (Heart Damage) & Neurological Toxicity (Brain Damage) Go to: Epileptiform Activity, Epilepsy, Seizures, REM Sleep/Memory/EEG Problems, Sleepwalking Go to: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar, Diabetes) Go to: Urinary Incontinence, Dermatologic (Skin) Problems, Ocular (Eyes) Disturbances Go to: Pain & Numbness, Swellings, Sexual (Organ) Problems, Hormonal Imbalances Go to: Hyponatremia & Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) Go to: (Suicide Overdose)-Toxicity & Death Go to: Suicide, Suicidality, Suicide Attempts & Self-Harm Go to: Mental State, Perceptual, Emotional & Psychological Changes Go to: Mental & Physical Side-Effects of Withdrawal/Discontinuation Go to: Other Observations & Complications: Case Reports, Reviews & Studies 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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