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Hundreds of Deaths Linked to Powerful Antidepressants, Figures Show
9 Aug
Summary
- 1,127 SSRI 'reports with a fatal outcome' since the late 1980s
- Experts warn the figure could be just the 'tip of the iceberg'
- Concerns over side effects like suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction
As of August 2025, new figures have revealed hundreds of deaths potentially linked to powerful antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received 1,127 'reports with a fatal outcome' related to SSRI drugs since the late 1980s.
While the MHRA cautions that these reports do not necessarily prove the medications were the direct cause of death, experts warn the figure could be just the "tip of the iceberg." Psychiatrists insist the benefits of SSRIs, used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and OCD, outweigh the risks. However, some experts question the long-term safety of these widely prescribed drugs, which have been linked to a range of troubling side effects.
These include suicidal thoughts, sexual dysfunction, and other issues that can severely impact patients' quality of life. As SSRI prescriptions have soared in recent years, reaching an estimated 47 million in 2023, concerns are mounting about the true toll these medications may be taking.
