Prescription Drugs Associated with Violent Behaviour

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Latest studies indicate that there is a definite correlation between certain

prescription drugs and violent behaviour, additional studies are required.

A recent study published by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP)

revealed the top 31 prescription drugs that can cause violent behaviour in

patients. Anti-depressants Pristiq, Paxil and Prozac were listed in the top-ten

list of most dangerous drugs, along with an insomnia medication, an ADHD drug,

an anti-smoking medication and a malaria prescription drug.

Top Ten Prescription Drugs Associated with Violence

The study concluded that, among others, the following drugs have links to

violent behaviour in patients:

Varenicline (Chantix) This drug is used to treat smoking addiction. Aside from

its many other side effects, the study reveals that it is 18 times more likely

to be linked with violence and aggression compared to other drugs.

Fluoxetine (Prozac): According to this study, the popular SSRI antidepressant

Prozac is 10.9 times more likely to be linkied with violence compared to other

medictions.

Paroxetine(Paxil): Also a popular SSRI antidepressant, Paxil is associated with

severe withdrawal symptoms and a greater risk of birth defects compared to other

medications.

Amphetamines (Various): Amphetamines are typically used to treat sufferers of

ADHD. The drug affects the brain's dopamine and noradrenaline systems. According

to the study, amphetamines are 9.6 times more likely to be linked to violence

than other drugs.

Mefoquine (Lariam): A prescription drug for malaria, Lariam has long been known

for its adverse side effects such as severe depression, anxiety, paranoia,

aggression, nightmares, insomnia, seizures, birth defects and hallucinations. It

is 9.5 times more likely to be linked with violence than other drugs

Atomoxetine (Strattera): This drug is used to treat ADHD and is reported to be 9

times more likely to be associated with violence compared to other medication.A

benzodiazepine which is used to treat insomnia.

Triazolam (Halcion): This drug is said to be 8.7 times moe likely to be linked

with violent behaviour than other drugs. Other known side effects include

heacaches, dizziness, drowsiness and suicidal thoughts.

Fluvoxamine (Luvox): An antidepressant that affects serotonin levels (SSRI),

Luvox is 8.4 times more likely than other medications to be linked with

violence, according to the study.

Venlafaxine (Effexor): This drug is used to treat depression and anxiety

disorders. Effexor is reported to be 8.3 times more likely than other drugs to

be related to violent behaviour.

Desvenlafaxine (Pristia): This is an antidepressant drug which affects both

serotonin and noradrenaline It is 7.9 times more likely to be associated with

violence than other drugs.

Conclusion of Study on Prescription Meds and Violence

In conclusion, the ISMP study stated that: “Acts of violence towards others

are a genuine and serious adverse drug event associated with a relatively small

group of drugs. Varenicline, which increases the availability of dopamine, and

antidepressants with serotonergic effects were the most strongly and

consistently implicated drugsâ€.