This is the fourth in the series of psychiatric drug medication possibly causing homicide (Precripticide)
Today sees Effexor in the spotlight.
Effexor (Venlafaxine ) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and is an extremely difficult drug to wean off due to its short half-life.
Links to parts 1,2, and 3 of the homicide series can be seen at the foot of this post.
AERS Case Number 4140388
Homicide by male (age 36) The patient was taking Effexor (dose unknown) beginning sometime in 2005. He shot and killed an unnamed person. (Click on images to enlarge)
The patient is quoted is this report, sent to Medwatch from Effexor manufacturer, Wyeth.
"The patient told police he was mentally ill (mental disorder) and "maybe a demon possessed me". The patient also commented, "I should just kill myself". When asked what happened between him and the driver he replied, "Oh my God, I don't know, it's just a blur".
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AERS Case Number 4194052
Homicide by male (age 18) The patient was taking Effexor XR (75mg daily - increased to 300mg daily) during the periods November 2001 - January 2003. He was diagnosed with mild depression and had spoken with his Dr about not being able to concentrate for his grades. He killed his best friend by poisoning.
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AERS Case Number 5836784
Homicide by male (age 58) The patient was taking Effexor XR (75mg daily) beginning in July 2003. Just days later he shot his wife to death before killing himself. The patient had no history of violence.
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AERS Case Number 9822105
Homicide by female (age 34) The patient was taking Effexor (Unknown dose) Unknown duration. The patient was admitted to a psychiatric unit and after Effexor treatment was said to be in a confused state. The report also states that she experienced a psychosis during which time she tried to drown REDACTED and strangled REDACTED. After the events took place the patient said she could not remember committing these crimes.
The report was sent to the FDA by Pfizer.
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AERS Case Number 6236297
Homicide by male (Unknown age) The patient was taking Effexor (Unknown dose) Unknown duration.
Effexor therapy began in 1994. The report shows how the patient went on a "killing spree" and even quotes the patient as saying, "before I went on Effexor I was a man of peace, non-violent.
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Bob Fiddaman.
Source - Murder Meds Database.
Previously in the Homicide Files series.
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