“The use of psychotropic drugs, especially combined use of antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs, is strongly associated with an increased risk of SCD [Sudden Cardiac Death].” \u2014European Heart Journal<\/em><\/p>\n “Prior to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the use of prescribed antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs was never part of military policy.<\/p>\n “In a June 2010 report, the latest available on the subject, the Defense Department\u2019s Pharmacoeconomic Center noted that 213,972, or 20 percent of the 1.1 million active-duty troops surveyed, were taking some form of psychotropic drug.<\/p>\n “Since that report was released, those figures have greatly increased and are now considerably beyond the 20 percent level for psychiatric medications prescribed to active-duty soldiers. These are precisely the sort of drugs cited in an overwhelming majority of veteran suicides.<\/p>\n “These substances significantly impair motor skills and reaction times, and cause confusion, disorientation and forgetfulness\u2014critical damage to a skill set vital to soldiers in combat.<\/p>\n “Other numbers are even more staggering, showing that the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs poured more than $4.5 billion into purchases of antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-anxiety drugs in the decade after 9\/11. The mass prescribing of these dangerous drugs continues in high gear once the soldier, sailor, Marine or airman comes under the authority of the Department of Veterans Affairs.<\/p>\n “In return for the billions of dollars spent on these substances, suicides and cases of sudden cardiac arrest have soared.”<\/p>\n Click here to read the full report on deaths in the military due to psychotropic drugs.<\/a><\/p>\n If you are in the military, a veteran, a member of a military or veteran support group, or family or associate of a member of the military or a veteran, you quality for a free Hidden Enemy<\/em> DVD. Fill out this form to receive a free DVD.<\/a><\/p>\n You can also watch the full Hidden Enemy documentary here:<\/p>\n