The story of my sister Beth Winter
My beautiful sister Beth had just graduated from University of Rhode Island, independently backpacked through Europe and was preparing to start her career in communications. She was happy and had a ton of friends and a wonderful family.
She went to her primary care physician for a physical and when he asked her how she was doing she expressed she was having a little trouble sleeping, as she was entering the job market, after a five minute visit, he prescribed her Paxil and told her it would ease her anxiety and help her sleep.
Beth's life ended seven days later, when she hung herself. Beth had no history of depression, she tragically due to a side effect of the anti-depressant drug Paxil .
This is the story of Beth Winter.
Beth's Life Before Paxil
Beth was happy, connected to family and friends and living her best life!
Beth was not depressed and not suicidal
Beth took Paxil for mild acute situational anxiety and hung herself on the seventh day. We know Paxil was responsible for her death in 2003. Learn more below.
A Google Slide Presentation on Beth's Story
The dangers of SSRI's
Akathisia: A Deadly Side Effect
Individuals taking Paxil (paroxetine), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), may experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors even if they were not previously depressed. This phenomenon is often linked to a condition called akathisia, a medication-induced movement disorder characterized by intense inner restlessness and an uncontrollable need to move.Cleveland Clinic+1Wikipedia+1
What Is Akathisia?
Akathisia is a distressing side effect associated with certain medications, including SSRIs like Paxil. Individuals with akathisia often describe an overwhelming sense of unease, anxiety, and a compulsion to move, such as pacing or fidgeting. This condition can lead to significant emotional distress and has been linked to impulsive behaviors, including self-harm and suicide attempts. PMC+1Lippincott Journals+1Psychiatrist.com
How Paxil Can Trigger Akathisia and Suicidality
While akathisia is more commonly associated with antipsychotic medications, SSRIs like Paxil can also induce this condition. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it's believed that SSRIs may disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters, leading to increased agitation and restlessness. In some cases, this can result in severe emotional distress and suicidal thoughts, even in individuals without prior depression. Cleveland ClinicPMC
Importance of Monitoring and Informed Consent
Given the potential risks associated with Paxil and similar medications, it's crucial for healthcare providers to monitor patients closely, especially during the initial stages of treatment. Patients and their families should be informed about the signs of akathisia and the importance of reporting any unusual symptoms promptly.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe restlessness, agitation, or suicidal thoughts while taking an antidepressant, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately. Adjusting the medication or dosage under professional guidance can often alleviate these symptoms.
For more information on akathisia and its association with antidepressants, you can refer to the following resources:
These resources provide detailed insights into the condition and its implications for individuals taking SSRIs like Paxil.
