7 replies to this topic

[FiveNotions]

Short answer, yes,duloxetine (cymbalta) was found to be a contributing factor in deaths that required a coroner's investigation.....

http://www.fsijourna...0495-7/abstract

Abstract
The drug duloxetine (Cymbalta®) is a newer antidepressant which has been available in Australia since 2008. Duloxetine is a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is associated with adverse effects in the first 6 weeks of therapy, including tachycardia and worsening symptoms in people with advanced heart failure. It is also associated with serotonin toxicity in combination with certain drugs. Few reports have been published in the toxicology literature regarding duloxetine and its prevalence in coroners’ cases. This study documents the prevalence of duloxetine in coronial cases between 2009 and 2012 and seeks to better understand the role of duloxetine in deaths where concomitant use with other drugs may cause adverse outcomes. Duloxetine was analyzed in blood specimens taken for the purpose of assisting the pathologist in determining a cause of death and analyzed using a validated LC–MS/MS method employed for overnight screening. There were 34 cases where duloxetine was detected of which 19 were attributed to drug toxicity. The median femoral blood concentration in the cohort was 0.14mg/L (range 0.01–1.42mg/L). Many deaths involved the concomitant use of numerous other medications; up to 13 other drugs were co-detected in a case. Over half of the deaths were attributed to fatal combined drug toxicity. SSRIs and venlafaxine that may have increased the risk of serotonin toxicity in combination with duloxetine were detected in five cases. Metoclopramide, contraindicated with duloxetine use, was detected in two cases. NSAIDs (n=11), antipsychotics (n=15) and benzodiazepines (n=14) were also commonly co-detected. Heart disease was observed in over 40% of the cohort, mostly in the form of coronary artery disease or cardiomegaly. Death involving duloxetine alone was uncommon (n=4); however with certain comorbidities and co-administered drugs, the risk of a fatal event is increased, particularly in the setting of other pro-serotonergic agents. In deaths where duloxetine is detected and the cause of death is believed to be natural or unascertained, it is essential that other serotonin drugs or inappropriate drug combinations be examined for their possible contribution to death.

[thismoment]

FiveNotions

Interesting article.

In recent days I've been keeping the big chair in front of the TV from floating away, and flipping between CNN and sports (clearly I need to get out more).

Stories like the knifings in Pennsylvania and the shootings in Texas always get news people talking about mental illness and antidepressant drugs.

There is a subtle bias in the way the interaction of mental illness and psycho-pharmaceuticals are presented on TV news. Listen closely next time; it goes something like this: The perpetrator had a history of mental illness, and was being 'treated' with antidepressants. As the reporter unfolds the story, it is conveyed that the medicine was there to help the mentally-ill person, but it was that mental illness that was the root cause of the deadly behaviour, not the medication.

I never knew blind rage in my life like I did during my withdrawal from Cymbalta- that was the most all-around dangerous me, ever!

It's not uncommon for a high school student to dip into the parent's prescription medication to get high. Many of these drugs are antidepressants, and they get passed around among friends. I have no doubt that in more than a few high schools, there are more than a few students drifting in and out of antidepressant withdrawal.

[FiveNotions]

I could not agree more...and yes, I've noticed this reporting bias... My current question is -- what is the connection between big pharma and journalism/news outlets that causes this bias.... Surely the journalists are doing this intentionally.... So, for example, how many of the same individuals are major stockholders of and/ or on the boards of both pharma and news cos.?

[Wagtail]

I hope I am still on this earth to see the day that the " SHIT HITS THE FAN ", so to speak ....

[thismoment]

I'm wearing my rain coat, rubber gloves, and gas mask as we speak! Bring it on!

[FiveNotions]

I hope I am still on this earth to see the day that the " SHIT HITS THE FAN ", so to speak ....

I'm wearing my rain coat, rubber gloves, and gas mask as we speak! Bring it on!

OMG! I just spit out coffee on my tablet, I'm laughing so hard!

[clearglass]

I'm wearing my rain coat, rubber gloves, and gas mask as we speak! Bring it on!

I came back to post something about this article and had to stop laughing first!!! Thismoment, I am putting on my raincoat, rubber gloves and mask too!!!

[Wagtail]

I'm wearing my rain coat, rubber gloves, and gas mask as we speak! Bring it on!

Thismoment ... I have a vision in my mind ha ha ha so funny ..xx