Suicide Effexor 24/08/2001 Mississippi 20 Year Old Commits Suicide
Summary:
http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/AC/04/transcripts/4006T1.htm
My son, Justin Cheslek, was a 20-year-sophomore at
the University of Southern Mississippi when he went
to the Student Health Clinic complaining of
insomnia. He was given a thorough examination
including bloodwork. Significant in the doctor's
note at that initial visit is the notation, "No
suicidal ideation."
Complaining that the sleep medication he
was prescribed made him feel sedated and depressed,
he was put on Paxil for two weeks. During those
two weeks, he repeatedly told his doctor he didn't
like the way the Paxil made him feel, so he was
switched to Effexor.
Within 24 hours of the switch to Effexor,
he had a seizure. Five days later he hung himself
in his apartment. He didn't leave a note. Beneath
him was his laptop computer and a glass of Coke.
It was as if some sudden impulse had made him do
this.
We grilled his girlfriend about his mood
and behavior in the months prior to his death. She
said his demeanor changed dramatically around her
birthday, February 22. Justin started taking Paxil
February 21.