Prozac-Induced Aggression in Eli Lillys Earliest Animal Studies

Prozac-Induced Aggression in Eli Lilly s Earliest Animal Studies 

Slater et al., from the Eli Lilly Research Labs, published an article in 1978 concerning the inhibition of REM sleep in cats. Disruption of REM sleep can cause emotional disturbances. The Eli Lilly researchers reported that they were at a loss to explain why cats receiving fluoxetine for several days began to hiss and growl or why this behavior decreased with continued treatment.  

In defense of their company and their drug, these authors then explained, The subjects who received fluoxetine in Phase I clinical trial have not described any change in mood nor have observers noted any change in affect. This claim is not supported by the facts as disclosed 

I can find no evidence that follow-up studies were done to further evaluate Prozac-induced agitation or aggression in animals. No primates were tested for behavioral effects. 

British and German Regulatory Authorities Inquire About Prozac-Induced Stimulation, Agitation, and Depression 

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