Ep.8- The Paroxetine Murders of Wyoming

In this gripping episode of The Medicine Murders, we explore a case that shook the medical and legal world—the 1998 Wyoming murder-suicide committed by Donald Schell just 48 hours after starting the antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine).

Was this a tragic consequence of untreated mental illness, or did the medication itself play a role? We dive deep into:
🔬 How SSRIs work and their impact on brain chemistry
⚖️ The landmark lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline
⚠️ The controversies surrounding SSRIs, impulsivity, and aggression
💊 The risks, benefits, and hidden side effects of antidepressants

Join us as we unravel one of the most shocking cases in pharmaceutical history, where science, psychiatry, and the law collided.

🔊 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and follow @MedMurdersPod on Instagram and The medicine murders on Youtube for more!

 

Sources:

1. Mechanism of Action of SSRIs:

• Mayo Clinic: Provides an overview of how SSRIs function by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available. mayoclinic.org

2. The Donald Schell Case:

• ABC News: Reports on the lawsuit where the family of Donald Schell sued the manufacturer of Paxil, alleging the drug was responsible for a murder-suicide. abcnews.go.com
• The Guardian: Discusses the case where Don Schell, after taking an antidepressant, killed his family and himself, leading to a significant legal verdict. theguardian.com

3. Side Effects and Controversies:

• MDPI: Discusses the adverse effects associated with SSRIs, including sexual dysfunction and emotional blunting. mdpi.com
• Psychiatric News: Highlights legal cases and debates surrounding SSRIs and their potential links to violent behavior. psychiatryonline.org

4. Additional Information:

• Wikipedia: Provides a comprehensive overview of SSRIs, including their development, uses, and controversies.