 APRIL 20, 1999 - LITTLETON, COLO.
Killer reportedly took Luvox antidepressant Associated Press
Luvox, the medication Columbine High gunman Eric Harris was said to be taking, is an antidepressant commonly prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive behavior.
The drug, known generically as fluvoxamine, boosts the brain's supply of a message-carrying chemical called serotonin and helps people lead normal lives without being plagued by unwanted, recurring thoughts and impulses.
Shortly before the attack, Harris, an 18-year-old senior, was rejected by the Marine Corps because he was taking Luvox, according to published reports. Investigators said they are interested in whether Harris' condition could be linked to the massacre.
Luvox requires several weeks to take effect, and remains in the body for several weeks after patients stop taking it. The drug can cause a variety of mild side effects, such as nervousness, dizziness and anxiety, but these are rare.
Victims of obsessive-compulsive behavior often feel compelled to perform the same task over and over, such as washing their hands or checking to make sure the door is locked. About 2 percent of adults have the disorder, and the first signs often appear in childhood.
April 30, 1999
E-mail this story to a friend | Printer-friendly version
Copyright 2001 The Daily Camera. All rights reserved.
Any copying, redistribution, or retransmission of any
of the contents of this service without the express written
consent of The Daily Camera is expressly prohibited.
Users of this site are subject to our
User Agreement. You may also read our
Privacy Policy. Comments? Questions? Suggestions? E-mail us at webmaster@thedailycamera.com.
|
|  |
| |
PHOTOS
A Daily Camera photo essay detailed the tragedy of April 20 and the recovery and remembrance in the following weeks: photo essay
|
| |
INTERACT
With the recent rise in school violence, do you feel schools are still safe? vote here
|
| |
THE INVESTIGATION
Man pleads innocent to helping Columbine killers get weapons full story
Relatives angry about handling of case full story
Parents of Columbine killer seek to limit evidence access full story
Investigators meet with Harris' parents full story
CHS investigators focus on computers full story
FBI investigator's son linked to case full story
Killer reportedly took Luvox antidepressant full story
Detectives question shooter's girlfriend full story
Bombs found in cafeteria full story
Portraits of the killers full story
Killer's diary describes plot of hate full story
|
| |
GUNS AND LAW
Inaction on gun control could prompt ballot issues full story
Democrats say they'll carry gun laws favored by Owens full story
Owens says tougher laws wouldn't have prevented tragedy full story
State senator plans to revive bill on concealed-handguns full story
Despite pressure, more gun control measures unlikely full story
Columbine dad lobbies Washington full story
Senate passes more gun controls full story
Columbine killers also wounded the NRA full story
Senate rejects any new restrictions on gun-show sales
full story
Gun control strife full
story
Leaders scrap gun bills full story
Guns and legislatures full story
|
|