The most ironic medication in the world
posted at 5.41pmThere have long been concerns that anti-depressent Seroxat has dangerous side effects, especially since a BBC Panorama documentary on it in 2002, but now researchers in Norway have found that users of the drug are seven times more likely to commit suicide that those who are not on it.
The manufacturers, GlaxoSmithKline, said that it’s “own extensive research showed that the benefits of using the medication outweighed the risks.” Great.
“Man, I sure feel happier. That Seroxat worked a treat. Wait, what’s that bright light?”
(via Sky News)
Actually, that’s not all that surprising.
It’s long been understood that people who are coming out of depression are actually more likely (significantly) than those in the depths of depression to commit suicide.
The generally accepted reason is that people who are depressed just cannot get motivated to do anything, including kill themselves.
The trick is to ensure that people being treated for depression are monitored closely to ensure that any behaviour or statements that imply they maybe headed for a suicide attempt are promptly and effectively dealt with.
Another interesting tidbit is that people who attempt suicide and fail are almost overwhelmingly of the opinion that their life is actually better as a result of the attempt. Some of this is to do with having people actually take them more seriously, but also because they often realise how many people do care about them.
I know you meant your comment as dark humour, but I’d forgotten all of this since University, and it all just popped back into my head unbidden, and I couldn’t not let it all out.
Comment by Matt Schinckel — August 23, 2005 @ 11.51am