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 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 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-seizur medication. Lisa thought work-related stress was the problem and advised Bob to quit his job. He did.
More Side Effects
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-seizur medication. Lisa thought work-related stress was the problem and advised Bob to quit his job. He did.
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
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. They have an obligation to understand the risks versus the benefits of medications their children are taking.
The recent school shooting at Florida State highlights this point, as according to ABC news,
“The sheriff’s affidavit said the child was on medication for “several health and mental issues,…”
Watch Bob tell his story in an award-winning short film. at his website www.rxisks.com
You can support his mission to educate the world on the risks associated with psychotropic medication through Better Bob Inc. 501(c) (3)
(Warning: Do not attempt to take yourself off any medication without the help of a medical doctor. This article is anecdotal and should not be construed as medical advice.)
References:
- If I Had Known the Rxisks, Rxisks.com
- What to know about Phoenix Ikner: Alleged FSU gunman and stepson of sheriff’s deputy,
April 18, 2025, 5:04 PM,What to know about Phoenix Ikner: Alleged FSU gunman and stepson of sheriff’s deputy – ABC News
