1- 10 MOST Dangerous Prescription Drugs - Dr. Josef

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9-hKq2_8Jg

Answer: B. Antidepressants

Explanation: The passage describes SSRIs like Lexapro and Prozac as antidepressants.

Which class of drugs includes SSRIs such as Lexapro, Prozac, and Paxil?

A. Antipsychotics
B. Antidepressants
C. Stimulants
D. Antibiotics

Answer: C. Suicidal, homicidal, or psychotic behavior

Explanation: Some individuals experience paradoxical agitation, anxiety, suicidal, homicidal, or psychotic behavior.

Which rare but serious reaction is described as a paradoxical response to SSRIs?

A. Weight gain
B. Increased focus
C. Suicidal, homicidal, or psychotic behavior
D. Improved mood stability

Answer: B. PSSD

Explanation: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) involves persistent sexual problems even after discontinuing SSRIs.

What side effect related to persistent sexual dysfunction is associated with SSRIs?

A. PFS
B. PSSD
C. ADHD
D. NMS

Answer: C. Dopamine

Explanation: ADHD stimulants are mechanistically similar to cocaine and methamphetamine and act on dopamine pathways.

ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin act primarily on which neurotransmitter system?

A. Serotonin
B. Acetylcholine
C. Dopamine
D. GABA

Answer: B. Mania

Explanation: She experienced a drug-induced mania that caused major life disruptions.

What severe psychiatric reaction did the Australian woman “Natalia” develop on Ritalin?

A. Depression
B. Mania
C. OCD
D. Schizophrenia

Answer: C. It is a partial dopamine agonist

Explanation: Its partial dopamine agonist activity can stimulate dopamine receptors and trigger addictive or compulsive behaviors.

Why can Abilify (Aripiprazole) sometimes cause compulsive behaviors?

A. It strongly blocks dopamine receptors
B. It is an SSRI
C. It is a partial dopamine agonist
D. It reduces serotonin levels

Answer: B. Gambling and sex addiction

Explanation: Hundreds of reports involved gambling, shopping sprees, and sex-related compulsions.

Which compulsive behaviors have been associated with Abilify according to the FDA?

A. Hoarding
B. Gambling and sex addiction
C. Pyromania
D. Compulsive tidying

Answer: C. Neuropsychiatric effects

Explanation: FDA labeled it for severe neuropsychiatric risks including aggression, suicide, and delusions.

Chantix (Varenicline) was given a boxed warning due to which category of side effects?

A. Kidney failure
B. Liver toxicity
C. Neuropsychiatric effects
D. Severe allergic reactions

Answer: C. The death of musician Carter Albrecht

Explanation: After taking Chantix with alcohol, he experienced aggressive delirium leading to his accidental death.

Which event is associated with Chantix in the passage?

A. A school shooting
B. A high-profile celebrity lawsuit
C. The death of musician Carter Albrecht
D. A drug manufacturing recall

Answer: B. Sleep-eating, driving, phone calls, and sex

Explanation: Reports include people performing complex activities with no memory of them.

What unusual behaviors have been reported in patients taking Z-drugs like Ambien?

A. Extreme exercise
B. Sleep-eating, driving, phone calls, and sex
C. Sleep paralysis
D. Sudden blindness

Answer: C. Severe neuropsychiatric side effects

Explanation: The drug can trigger panic attacks, psychosis, and unpredictable dangerous behavior.

Lariam (Mefloquine) carries a boxed warning for which risk?

A. Severe liver damage
B. Long-term lung disease
C. Severe neuropsychiatric side effects
D. Dangerous blood clots

Answer: B. A college student jumping from a plane

Explanation: Alana Cutland attempted to exit a plane mid-flight after suspected mefloquine-induced psychosis.

Which tragic event is linked to Lariam (Mefloquine) in the provided text?

A. A celebrity overdose
B. A college student jumping from a plane
C. A mass psychotic episode in a village
D. A court ruling against the manufacturer

Answer: C. Asthma and allergies

Explanation: It is widely used, especially in children, for asthma and allergic conditions.

What is Singulair (Montelukast) primarily prescribed for?

A. Bipolar disorder
B. Hypertension
C. Asthma and allergies
D. Chronic pain

Answer: B. Reports of hundreds of psychiatric events and suicides

Explanation: An investigation was conducted by the FDA in 2019, and they found 82 documented suicide deaths and over 500 suicide attempts suspected to be linked to Singulair.

What prompted the FDA to review Singulair’s safety?

A. Reports of liver toxicity
B. Reports of hundreds of psychiatric events and suicides
C. Manufacturing issues
D. Overprescription in schools

Answer: C. Depression, suicidal thoughts, and long-term cognitive damage

Explanation: Reports include suicides and persistent psychiatric or cognitive injury.

What severe cases have been associated with Accutane (Isotretinoin)?

A. Seizures
B. Sudden kidney failure
C. Depression, suicidal thoughts, and long-term cognitive damage
D. Stroke

Answer: C. Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS)

Explanation: PFS includes sexual dysfunction, depression, and cognitive problems.

What condition is associated with Finasteride (Propecia/Proscar)?

A. Post-antibiotic syndrome
B. Drug-induced psychosis
C. Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS)
D. Tardive dyskinesia

Answer: B. It is placed in an obscure section of the label

Explanation: The warning is hidden in the postmarketing section instead of a prominent location.

Why is the warning for Finasteride criticized in the text?

A. It exaggerates the risk
B. It is placed in an obscure section of the label
C. It is too short
D. It is not approved by the FDA

Answer: B. Permanent neurological and psychiatric damage

Explanation: The text describes long-lasting or permanent psychiatric and neurological harm.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics like Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) and Levaquin (Levofloxacin) are criticized for causing what?

A. Hair loss
B. Permanent neurological and psychiatric damage
C. Severe birth defects
D. Cataracts

Answer: C. Musician Bobby Caldwell

Explanation: Bobby Caldwell, the composer of the hit song “What You Won’t Do for Love”, reportedly became disabled for life after taking a Fluoroquinolone antibiotic, like Levaquin (Levofloxacin), Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)

Who is mentioned as a well-known victim of fluoroquinolone toxicity (“floxing”)?

A. A U.S. senator
B. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
C. Musician Bobby Caldwell
D. A Hollywood actor

Answer: A. They involve commonly prescribed medications

Explanation: These drugs are widely prescribed, and many people are unaware of the rare but severe side effects.

According to Dr. Josef, why are these drug risks especially concerning?

A. They involve commonly prescribed medications
B. They are illegal drugs
C. They are all newly approved
D. They are extremely addictive in all cases

Answer: B. Paroxetine (Paxil)

Explanation: David Carmichael’s psychotic episode occurred while taking Paxil, leading to his son’s death at 3:00 AM morning on July 31st, 2004.

Which SSRI was involved in the case of David Carmichael, who accidentally killed his 11-year-old son during a psychotic episode?

A. Fluoxetine
B. Paroxetine (Paxil)
C. Escitalopram (Lexapro)
D. Sertraline

Answer: C. Paxil (Paroxetine)

Explanation: Donald Schell had a psychotic reaction on Paxil. In February 1998, Don Schell, took a .22 caliber pistol and a 357 magnum in the middle of the night and shot dead the three people in the world dearest to him - his wife Rita, his daughter Deb and baby Alyssa. Then he killed himself. The following afternoon Tim Tobin found the scene of carnage that will stay with him as long as he lives.

The case of Donald Schell—who killed his wife, daughter, granddaughter, and then himself—was linked to which medication?

A. Ritalin
B. Abilify
C. Paxil (Paroxetine)
D. Cipro

Answer: D. February 1998

Explanation: In February 1998, Don Schell, took a .22 caliber pistol and a 357 magnum in the middle of the night and shot dead the three people in the world dearest to him - his wife Rita, his daughter Deb and baby Alyssa. Then he killed himself. The following afternoon Tim Tobin found the scene of carnage that will stay with him as long as he lives.

What year was the high-profile Paxil-related case of Donald Schell legally addressed when his family sued GlaxoSmithKline?

A. 1998
B. 2000
C. 2001
D. February 1998

Answer: B. Ritalin (Methylphenidate)

Explanation: Natalia spiraled into mania on Ritalin.

Which ADHD medication led to an Australian woman named Natalia entering drug-induced mania, losing her job, partner, custody, and $12,000?

A. Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
B. Ritalin (Methylphenidate)
C. Strattera (Atomoxetine)
D. Vyvanse

Answer: C. Partial dopamine agonist

Explanation: Its partial dopamine agonist activity triggered compulsive behaviors including gambling and sex addiction.

Abilify (Aripiprazole) caused compulsive behaviors in many people because it is a:

A. Full dopamine agonist
B. Dopamine antagonist
C. Partial dopamine agonist
D. Serotonin inhibitor

Answer: C. Abbi Hoxleigh

Explanation: Abbi Hoxleigh reported a shopping addiction triggered by Abilify.

Which person went on a $10,000 shopping spree shortly after starting Abilify due to compulsive behavior side effects?

A. Alana Cutland
B. David Carmichael
C. Abbi Hoxleigh
D. Carter Albrecht

Answer: C. 2016

Explanation: In 2016, the FDA concluded these compulsive behaviors were real side effects.

In 2020, Abbi Hoxleigh, A Las Vegas woman developed a gambling addiction so severe on Abilify that she resorted to prostitution to earn money. What year did the FDA confirm Abilify could cause these behaviors?

A. 2012
B. 2014
C. 2016
D. 2019

Answer: B. Chantix (Varenicline)

Explanation: Carter Albrecht’s bizarre, aggressive delirium was linked to Chantix.

Which drug was involved in the death of Texas musician Carter Albrecht, who entered a violent delirium after drinking and taking his dose?

A. Ambien (zolpidem)
B. Chantix (Varenicline)
C. Propecia/Proscar (Finasteride)
D. Accutane (Isotretinoin) is used for treating Acne

Answer: C. She accidentally took Ambien instead of her thyroid medication

Explanation: She mistakenly took Ambien (zolpidem), drove while unconscious, and crashed.

In July 2012, why did Kerry Kennedy (RFK Jr.’s sister) end up in court over a driving incident?

A. She mixed alcohol with Ambien intentionally
B. She took Ambien recreationally
C. She accidentally took Ambien instead of her thyroid medication
D. She overdosed on Adderall

Answer: C. She was acquitted

Explanation: The jury acquitted her after hearing evidence.

What was the outcome of Kerry Kennedy’s Ambien-related trial?

A. She was convicted
B. She paid a fine
C. She was acquitted
D. She was banned from driving

Answer: C. Mefloquine (Lariam)

Explanation: Alana Cutland reportedly experienced psychotic symptoms linked to Lariam.

In 2019, which drug was associated with the tragic death of 19-year-old Alana Cutland, who jumped from a small plane in Madagascar?

A. Singulair (montelukast)
B. Accutane (Isotretinoin)
C. Mefloquine (Lariam)
D. Cipro (Ciprofloxacin)

Answer: B. Singulair (Montelukast)

Explanation: He died shortly after starting Singulair. An allergy medicine that had been linked for years to episodes of depression and suicidal thinking. Even though the side effects are horrendous, but people to this day are using buying this drug

Nicholas England, a healthy 22-year-old from Virginia, he committed suicide by shooting himself in the head in 2017, two weeks after starting which drug?

A. Accutane (Isotretinoin)
B. Singulair (Montelukast) is used for Asthma and Allergy
C. Paxil (paroxetine)
D. Lariam (Mefloquine) is used to treat Malaria

Answer: C. Singulair

Explanation: These suicides and attempts were associated with Singulair.

In 2019, which FDA Advisory Committee’s findings listed 82 suicide deaths and 500 suicide attempts linked to what medication?

A. Propecia and Proscar (Finasteride) is used for enlarged prostate & pattern hair loss
B. Chantix
C. Singulair
D. Accutane

Answer: B. Accutane (Isotretinoin)

Explanation: B.J. Stupak’s suicide was linked to Accutane.

In 2000, Bart Stupak Jr. (B.J.) at the age of 17, died by suicide six months after starting which acne medication?

A. Tetracycline
B. Accutane (Isotretinoin)
C. Propecia and Proscar (Finasteride)
D. Cipro

Answer: B. Finasteride

Explanation: Post-Finasteride Syndrome is linked to Finasteride.

Which drug is associated with Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), involving sexual dysfunction, cognitive issues, and severe depression?

A. Accutane
B. Finasteride
C. Ambien
D. Chantix

Answer: B. Fluoroquinolone (Cipro/Levaquin)

Explanation: Bobby Caldwell was “floxed” by a fluoroquinolone.

Musician Bobby Caldwell, the composer of the hit song “What You Won't Do for Love”, became severely disabled after taking which type of antibiotic?

A. Penicillin
B. Fluoroquinolone (Cipro/Levaquin)
C. Macrolide
D. Tetracycline

Answer: C. Permanent disability lasting the rest of his life

Explanation: He remained disabled for life and reportedly died with ongoing complications.

What was the long-term outcome for Bobby Caldwell after taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic?

A. Full recovery
B. Minor side effects
C. Permanent disability lasting the rest of his life
D. Addiction

Answer: D. 2022

Explanation: The warning was updated in 2022.

In what year was Finasteride’s label updated to warn about persistent sexual dysfunction and psychiatric symptoms?

A. 2015
B. 2018
C. 2020
D. 2022