title: Ninety-three cases of alcohol dependence following SSRI treatment.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There have been recent reports linking serotonin reuptake inhibitor use with increased alcohol consumption. A syndrome of alcoholism precipitated by a common treatment has clear implications for both research and treatment if it is a common phenomenon.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To explore the profile of people affected, and drugs that might trigger the syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have selected reports to RxISK.org reporting the problem and cases linked to a blog posting outlining the syndrome and mined these for data on age, gender, drug of use, pattern of outcome on treatment, and impact of the problem.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data make it clear that all treatments with significant effects on the serotonin reuptake system are likely to cause this problem. Both sexes, and all ages are affected and reports have come from a range of countries. While stopping treatment can lead to the problem clearing, a failure to stop can result in death.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  SSRI induced alcoholism is likely to be a relatively common problem. Recognizing the problem can lead to a gratifying cure. A failure to recognize it can be fatal.
authors.affiliation: North Wales Department of Psychological Medicine, Bangor, Wales, UK.
authors.forename: Louise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brookwell
authors.affiliation: North Wales Department of Psychological Medicine, Bangor, Wales, UK.
authors.forename: Carys
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hogan
authors.affiliation: North Wales Department of Psychological Medicine, Bangor, Wales, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Healy
authors.affiliation: David Braley & Nancy Gordon Chair of Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Derelie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mangin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000209:etiology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
keywords: SSRIs; adverse event databases; alcohol dependence; antidepressants