“Frankly I think Eli Lilly is 100% responsible for the hell I have been through…”
I am a 46 year old man who has suffered a major disruption in his life because of Prozac. I heard of the web site and though I was not planning to write about my experience I realize there is need to do so. I wish to just outline them and perhaps later write a more detailed account at a later date.
1. I was taking Prozac for about 7 days
2. I sensed agitation and impatience growing as I took the drug.
3. I stopped taking the Prozac on the 8th day
4. I became filled with rage and remorse and wild fictions of what my life was all about and my marriage. I went to the store and bought beer. I do not drink, I bought the beer because years ago when I drank some it put me to sleep.
5. On the 8th day I was rage full and threatened my wife. I asked her to call 911 in one of my more lucid moments.
6. I had the distinct feeling that I wanted to frighten her and hurt her emotionally and physically. Then a moment later I did not think or feel that way.
7. I did not understand my own behavior or feelings.
8. I burned a sheet in the sink to make smoke to frighten her, and I threw a neck vibrator across the room.
9. The police came and arrested me, I spent 4 days in jail.
10. I paid huge fines and attorney fees.
11. I was charged with assault and reckless burning.
12. I was placed on probation for 2 years. 13. I was placed in a domestic violence program.
I am a nice guy. I have a wonderful family, a loving wife. I love my family. I have never been arrested in my life nor have I been in any trouble with the police. I am a business man who operates restaurants with over 90 employees. I am a college graduate. I have always been non violent, preferring to avoid fights and potentially dangerous situations. I had a very good life and was prescribed Prozac for mild depression and fatigue.
I have been humiliated, treated like a common criminal and am now a man with a criminal record. On the positive side I have been able to participate in a domestic violence group and learn some interesting things about violent behavior. However it is an academic exercise which if I had had an interest in I would have taken college courses on the topic. I have learned how a polygraph machine works since part of the program requires I take polygraph tests, and I have learned how to pee in a cup on demand for drug detection since I am now on probation. I do not take illegal drugs, and probably will not ever take prescription drugs because I am afraid of them, the consequences are too steep.
Frankly I think Eli Lilly is 100% responsible for the hell I have been through and if there is ever a class action suit I want to be there!
Ray Schaeffer
1/23/2001
This is Survivor Story number 6.
Total number of stories in current database is 34
