Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: A Critical Look at the Antidepressants and an Assessment of Potential Liability Faced by their Manufacturers

Abstract

Mental health is a growing and lucrative aspect of health-care. Among the ways of treating mental illness is through use of antidepressant medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This paper will address much of the critical commentary made about the SSRIs, and will consider whether the problems with this class of drugs could result in liability to the manufacturers. Included in the critique of the SSRIs is a look at whether SSRIs, including Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Luvox, and Celexa, are linked to violent or suicidal behavior. This paper will also consider the existence and effects of any withdrawal syndrome associated with these drugs. Finally, the paper will consider whether the drugs are over-prescribed, including a look at whether children should be prescribed SSRIs given that little FDA scrutiny has been given to the effects of these drugs on children.