Bob and the Black Box
Bob didn’t know what a Black Box warning was. He would have no reason to
know. He was busy living the American dream, as a husband, father, and one of
the highest achievers in his company.
But unfortunately, things changed in Bob’s life. Through a set of twisted
circumstances, Bob learned about Black Box drug warnings the hard way – he
lost it all.
Bob the Achiever
Bob Schwartz grew up with 11 loving siblings in New Jersey. His father was a
financial executive in New York City and his mother, of strong faith, instilled
biblical values in her children.
In 1987 Bob relocated to Atlanta to take a marketing position with a large
telecom company. He won awards for his work and was transferred to a
company called LDDS.
Bob married Lisa in 1993. In 1995 they had a daughter and in 1998 a son. Busy
as he was with his career, Bob remained devoted as a husband and a father.
Bob prospered as LDDS acquired 60 companies and became known as
WorldCom. In 2000 Bob received the company’s highest achiever award. Life
was good for Bob.
WorldCom Scandal
In 2001 an executive scandal surfaced at WorldCom and its stocks plummeted.
Though Bob was not engaged in the scandalous behavior, his work was audited
four times. In 2002 WorldCom declared bankruptcy. And Bob’s stock options
became nearly worthless. Good times had turned into tough times and tensions
ran high.
High Dosage Scandal
In March 2004, suffering from back pain, Bob went to see his doctor. When the
doctor asked about any additional health issues. Bob reported having trouble
focusing at work. His doctor decided Bob might have attention deficit disorder
and handed him a sample prescription for 54 milligrams of Concerta. Bob
asked about possible side effects and was only told it might suppress his
appetite. Bob didn’t know that he had just been prescribed the highest dosage
of Concerta and had no way of predicting what was to come next.
Concerta Side Effects
After taking Concerta for just five days Bob got a panicked feeling while at
work – like someone was out to get him and hurt him. He managed to make it to
the parking lot confused and dazed. He was experiencing acute psychosis –
living a nightmare while wide awake. (Similar to the scenes in the movie A
Beautiful Mind)
Throughout the next 90 days, Bob experienced social withdrawal, insomnia,
delusional thinking, thought disorder, dementia, and a laundry list of physical
ailments. He lived in constant paranoia.
More Pills
Bob’s doctor, not admitting to the likelihood that his prescription caused the
problem concluded Bob was suffering from depression. He advised Bob to
“power through it.” He also prescribed anti-depressants and anti-seizure
medication. Lisa thought work-related stress was the problem and advised Bob
to quit his job. He did.
More Side Effects
But neither the medication nor leaving his job helped. Bob declined into
helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. He fended off thoughts of suicide
through faith in God and concern for the impact on his wife and children.
Bob later filed a medical complaint form with Johnson and Johnson. He
received no help.
Black Box Warning
Not long afterwards, an article appeared in the Wall Street Journal stating that
the FDA had just recommended strong Black Box warning on stimulant drugs
used to treat ADHD, including Concerta. The warning included that the use of
Concerta could increase thoughts of suicide and cause severe psychological &
physical injury including psychosis – the very symptoms that Bob experienced.
Bob was unable to return to work and lost his home.
The stress of the circumstances led to divorce. He avoided homelessness by finding work at a
home goods store.
Learning the Truth and the Road to Recovery
Bob’s road to recovery began with regular meetings with his priest Father
Ketter. Bob was reminded of the values he had been raised with and found the
inner strength to use his situation for the betterment of others.
In 2017 Bob was diagnosed with cognitive impairment and PTSD caused by
prescription medication. In 2018 Bob learned that the 54mg dose of Concerta
was three times the recommended starting dose.
It was too late to protect himself and save his family, but understanding what
had happened became redemptive in Bob’s life.
New Purpose for a Better Bob
Though not fully recovered from the damage done, Bob has found a new
purpose in life. Bob works tirelessly to help others avoid the nightmares he has
endured by sharing his story. He has spoken publicly to groups and on podcasts.
He has created a website where other victims can have a voice.
Bob even unabashedly made a movie about his very personal story.
The message is, “Doctors prescribing medication with black box warnings have
the responsibility to obtain informed consent from their patients. And patients
also have the responsibility of asking questions, so they understand what they
are taking. Whatever benefits a medication offers must be weighed against the
risks. Parents especially have an obligation to keep themselves in a good state,
for the sake of their children.
Watch Bob tell his story at his website www.rxisks.com
(Warning: Do not attempt to take yourself off any medication without the help
