With the number of mass shooters who have been identified as being prescribed SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake Inhibitors) I thought it might be helpful to discuss SSRIs. A serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that plays an important role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, memory, social behavior, and sexual desire. It is claimed that SSRIs work by blocking serotonin reabsorption leading to gradual changes in brain signaling and receptor regulation. Wikipedia cautions that:
Positive antidepressant trial results are much more likely to be published than negative ones, and many meta-analyses have conflicts of interest due to pharmaceutical industry involvement, often downplaying potential risks.
SSRIs are different from SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) in that SSRIs block serotonin uptake whereas SNRIs block both serotonin and norepinephrine increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
SSRIs are the most prescribed antidepressant according to the Mayo Clinic. Cleveland Clinic states more than 1 in 10 people in the US take an antidepressant (noting that SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed out of all the antidepressants available and that Prozac (Fluoxetine) is the most well-known SSRI). Wikipedia notes that SSRIs are also used for not only depression but also for social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders, stroke recovery, premature ejaculation, and other mental disorders.
SSRI's have been associated with a more than 33% increase in death and a more than 14% increase in cardiovascular complications (it did not matter if the person was predisposition to cardiovascular disease). It has also been found that SSRIs cross the placenta to the baby if taken during pregnancy and no long-term studies have been published on babies whose mothers were taking SSRIs during pregnancy.
SSRIs have been used to treat "off-label" or non-FDA-approved uses such as binge eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorders, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and/or premature ejaculation.
The following drugs may cause serotonin syndrome in people taking SSRIs: Linezolid; Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) including moclobemide, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline and methylene blue; Lithium; Sibutramine; MDMA (ecstasy); Dextromethorphan; Tramadol; 5-HTP; Pethidine/meperidine; St. John's wort; Yohimbe; Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs); Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs); Buspirone; Triptan; Mirtazapine; Methylene blue. SSRI's taken with aspirin, ibuprofen (advil or nurofen) and/or naproxen (aleve) may increase risk of gastrointestinal bleeds.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include: Nervousness; Nausea and vomiting; Diarrhea; Dilated pupils; Muscle issues, like twitching, involuntary contractions, spasms and rigidity; Sweating and shivering; and/or Side-to-side eye movements. Severe symptoms include Confusion or delirium; Rapid heart rate (tachycardia); High blood pressure; Fever; Seizures; and/or Loss of consciousness.
The FDA has approved these SSRIs to treat depression:
Citalopram (Celexa) commonly prescribed for depression but can be used for other purposes.
Contra Indications: Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder; Bleeding disorder; Glaucoma; Heart disease; History of irregular heartbeat; Kidney disease; Liver disease; Low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood; Receiving electroconvulsive therapy; Seizures; Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member; Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots; Thyroid disease; An unusual or allergic reaction to citalopram, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives; Pregnant or trying to become pregnant; and/or Breastfeeding.
Major Side Effects (call your doctor if you experience any of the following): Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, red or dark brown urine, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, small, red or purple spots on skin, unusual bleeding or bruising; Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing; Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion; Serotonin syndrome—irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea; Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss; and/or Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.
Minor Side Effects (tell your doctor if they bother you): Change in sex drive or performance; Diarrhea; Dry mouth; Excessive sweating; Nausea; Tremors or shaking; Upset stomach.
Medication Interactions: Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole; Cisapride; Dronedarone; Escitalopram; Linezolid; MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; Methylene blue (injected into a vein); Pimozide; and/or Thioridazine.
Other Possible Interactions: Alcohol; Amphetamines; Aspirin and aspirin-like medications; Carbamazepine; Certain medications for infections, such as chloroquine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, furazolidone, isoniazid, pentamidine; Certain medications for mental health conditions; Certain medications for migraine headaches, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan; Certain medications for sleep; Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as dalteparin, enoxaparin, warfarin; Cimetidine; Diuretics; Dofetilide; Fentanyl; Lithium; Methadone; Metoprolol; NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen; Omeprazole; Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes; Procarbazine; Rasagiline; Supplements, such as St. John's wort, kava kava, valerian; Tramadol; Tryptophan; and/or Ziprasidone.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) prescribed to treat depression and anxiety.
Contra Indications: Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder; Diabetes; Glaucoma; Heart disease; Kidney disease; Liver disease; Receiving electroconvulsive therapy; Seizures; Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member; An unusual or allergic reaction to escitalopram, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives; Pregnant or trying to become pregnant; and/or Breastfeeding.
Major Side Effects (call your doctor if you experience any of the following): Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, red or dark brown urine, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, small, red or purple spots on skin, unusual bleeding or bruising; Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing; Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion; Serotonin syndrome—irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea; Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss; and/or Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.
Minor Side Effects (tell your doctor if they bother you): Change in sex drive or performance; Diarrhea; Excessive sweating; Nausea; Tremors or shaking; and/or Upset stomach.
Medication Interactions: Certain medications for fungal infections, such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole; Cisapride; Citalopram; Dronedarone; Linezolid; MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; Methylene blue (injected into a vein); Pimozide; and/or Thioridazine
Other Possible Interactions: Alcohol; Amphetamines; Aspirin and aspirin-like medications; Carbamazepine; Certain medications for mental health conditions; Certain medications for migraine headache, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan; Certain medications for sleep; Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin; Cimetidine; Diuretics; Dofetilide; Fentanyl; Furazolidone; Isoniazid; Lithium; Metoprolol; NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen; Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes; Procarbazine; Rasagiline; Supplements, such as St. John's wort, kava kava, valerian; Tramadol; Tryptophan; and/or Ziprasidone.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) which has been approved for veterinary use for canine separation anxiety as well as reducing Raynaud syndrome is prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders.
Contra Indications: Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder; Bleeding disorder; Glaucoma; Heart disease; Liver disease; Low levels of sodium in the blood; Seizures; Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member; Take an MAOI, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate; Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots; Thyroid disease; An unusual or allergic reaction to fluoxetine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives; Pregnant or trying to get pregnant; and/or Breastfeeding.
Major Side Effects (call your doctor if you experience any of the following): Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, red or dark brown urine, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, small, red or purple spots on skin, unusual bleeding or bruising; Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing; Loss of appetite with weight loss; Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion; Serotonin syndrome—irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea; Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss; and/or Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.
Minor Side Effects (tell your doctor if they bother you): Anxiety, nervousness; Change in sex drive or performance; Diarrhea; Dry mouth; Headache; Excessive sweating; Nausea; Tremors or shaking; Trouble sleeping; and/or Upset stomach.
Medication Interactions: Other medications containing fluoxetine, such as Sarafem or Symbyax; Dronedarone; Linezolid; MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; Methylene blue (injected into a vein); Pimozide; and/or Thioridazine.
Other Possible Interactions: Alcohol; Amphetamines; Aspirin and aspirin-like medications; Carbamazepine; Certain medications for mental health conditions; Certain medications for migraine headache, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan; Digoxin; Diuretics; Fentanyl; Flecainide; Furazolidone; Isoniazid; Lithium; Medications that help you fall asleep; Medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin; NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen; Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes; Phenytoin; Procarbazine; Propafenone; Rasagiline; Ritonavir; Supplements, such as St. John's wort, kava kava, valerian; Tramadol; Tryptophan; and/or Vinblastine.
Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) prescribed for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Contra Indications: Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder; Bleeding disorder; Glaucoma; Heart disease; Kidney disease; Liver disease; Low levels of sodium in the blood; Seizures; Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member; Take MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots; Thyroid disease; An unusual or allergic reaction to paroxetine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives; Pregnant or trying to get pregnant; and/or Breastfeeding.
Major Side Effects (call your doctor if you experience any of the following): Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, red or dark brown urine, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, small, red or purple spots on skin, unusual bleeding or bruising; Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing; Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion; Serotonin syndrome—irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizures, chills, vomiting, diarrhea; Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss; and/or Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.
Minor Side Effects (tell your doctor if they bother you): Change in sex drive or performance; Diarrhea; Excessive sweating; Nausea; Tremors or shaking; and/or Upset stomach.
Medication Interactions: Linezolid; MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; Methylene blue (injected into a vein); Pimozide; and/or Thioridazine.
Other Possible Interactions: Alcohol; Amphetamines; Aspirin and aspirin-like medications; Atomoxetine; Certain medications for irregular heart beat, such as propafenone, flecainide, encainide, and quinidine; Certain medications for mental health conditions; Certain medications for migraine headache, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan; Cimetidine; Digoxin; Diuretics; Fentanyl; Fosamprenavir; Furazolidone; Isoniazid; Lithium; Medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin; Medications for sleep; NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen; Phenobarbital; Phenytoin; Procarbazine; Rasagiline; Ritonavir; Supplements, such as St. John's wort, kava kava, valerian; Tamoxifen; Tramadol; and/or Tryptophan.
Sertraline (Zoloft) has been used to decrease anger and is prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Contra Indications: Bleeding disorders; Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder; Frequently drink alcohol; Glaucoma; Heart disease; High blood pressure; History of irregular heartbeat; History of low levels of calcium, magnesium, or potassium in the blood; Liver disease; Receiving electroconvulsive therapy; Seizures; Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member; Take medications that prevent or treat blood clots; Thyroid disease; An unusual or allergic reaction to sertraline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives; Pregnant or trying to get pregnant; and/or Breastfeeding.
Major Side Effects (call your doctor if you experience any of the following): Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, red or dark brown urine, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bleeding or bruising; Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing; Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion; Serotonin syndrome—irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea; Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss; and/or Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood.
Minor Side Effects (tell your doctor if they bother you): Change in sex drive or performance; Diarrhea; Excessive sweating; Nausea; Tremors or shaking; and/or Upset stomach.
Medication Interactions: Dronedarone; Linezolid; MAOIs, such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; Methylene blue (injected into a vein); Pimozide; and/or Thioridazine.
Other Possible Interactions: Alcohol; Amphetamines; Aspirin and aspirin-like medications; Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole; Certain medications for irregular heart beat, such as flecainide, quinidine, propafenone; Certain medications for mental health conditions; Certain medications for migraine headaches, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan; Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenytoin; Certain medications for sleep; Certain medications that prevent or treat blood clots, such as warfarin, enoxaparin, dalteparin; Cimetidine; Digoxin; Diuretics; Fentanyl; Isoniazid; Lithium; NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen; Other medications that cause heart rhythm changes, such as dofetilide; Rasagiline; Safinamide; Supplements, such as St. John's wort, kava kava, valerian; Tolbutamide; Tramadol; and/or Tryptophan.
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Contra Indications: Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder; Bleeding disorders; Glaucoma; Heart disease; Liver disease; Low levels of sodium in the blood; Seizures; Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member; Take MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots; Thyroid disease; An unusual or allergic reaction to fluvoxamine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives; Pregnant or trying to get pregnant; and/or Breast-feeding.
Major Side Effects (call your doctor if you experience any of the following): Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding; High fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion, which may be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome; Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome; Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion; Prolonged or painful erection; Seizures; and/or Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.
Minor Side Effects (tell your doctor if they bother you): Change in sex drive or performance; Drowsiness; Loss of appetite; Nausea; Sweating; Tremors or shaking; and/or Trouble sleeping.
Medication Interactions: Alosetron; Linezolid; MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; Methylene blue (injected into a vein); Pimozide; Thioridazine; and/or Tizanidine.
Other Possible Interactions: Alcohol; Amphetamines; Aspirin and aspirin-like medications; Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances; Certain medications for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan; Certain medications for seizures like carbamazepine and phenytoin; Clozapine; Diltiazem; Diuretics; Fentanyl; Furazolidone; Isoniazid; Lithium; Medications that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin; Medications for sleep; Methadone; Metoprolol; Mexiletine; NSAIDS, medications for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen; Omeprazole; Procarbazine; Propranolol; Quinidine; Ramelteon; Rasagiline; Supplements like St. John's Wort, kava kava, valerian; Tacrine; Theophylline; Tramadol; and/or Tryptophan.
Contra Indications: Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder; Glaucoma; Liver disease; Low levels of sodium in the blood; Receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); Seizures; Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member; An unusual or allergic reaction to vilazodone, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives; Pregnant or trying to get pregnant; and/or Breastfeeding.
Major Side Effects (call your doctor if you experience any of the following): Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding; Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome; Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion; Seizures; Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss; and/or Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.
Minor Side Effects (tell your doctor if they bother you): Change in sex drive or performance; Diarrhea; Dry mouth; Headache; Nausea; Trouble sleeping; and/or Vomiting.
Medication Interactions: Linezolid; MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate; and/or Methylene blue (injected into a vein).
Other Possible Interactions: Aspirin and aspirin-like medications; Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions; Certain medications for migraines, such as sumatriptan; Certain medications for seizures; Lithium; Medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin; NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen; Opioids; St. John's wort; Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake; and/or Tryptophan.
There have been a couple of studies investigating the outcomes of SSRI and hormone therapy; however, these studies are limited to post-menopausal women who are taking female hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In a 2005 study on HRT and antidepressants, W.L. Wolfman found that SSRIs (specifically clonidine and gabapentin) helped reduce the occurrence of hot flashes in post-menopausal women; however, SSRIs are much less effective than HRT. In a 2007 study, Zanardi, Rossini, et.al., divided 170 post-menopausal women taking SSRIs into 2 groups: those taking HRT (47) and those who were not taking HRT (123) assessing depressive symptoms at the beginning and 7 weeks later. They found the HRT group improved the antidepressant response to SSRIs; but these results are based on self-reporting by the participants. In a 2025 study presented at the Contemporary OB/GYN conference they found HRT alone may account for the decrease in negative mood symptoms associated with menopause.
In a 2020 study by SC Mueller, mental health treatment utilized by transgender persons was reviewed. Mood, anxiety disorders, and suicidal ideation were the most frequently cited reasons for seeking mental health intervention after "gender transition surgery."
In a 2023 review by Tiefenthaler & Lee they looked at 131 patient records from 2005 to 2021 at a large academic health system, looking at adults (over 18 years of age) with a gender identify disorder diagnostic code. They found that since 2013, diagnoses of gender dysphoria has increased 18% per year. They also found that 38% of patients did not have an active depression prescription at the time of their gender dysphoria diagnosis while many were acknowledged as being depressed.
In a 2024 study by Kim, Goetz, et.al., they reviewed the existing literature looking for potential interactions and side effects of psychiatric medications with hormone therapy using Medline. They found no information on outcomes of combining SSRIs and HRT. The authors argue for "gender-affirming care" and are opposed to the "hostile legislative climate" that would oppose or limit "gender-affirming care" in the US.
In a 2024 study by Morssinkhof, Wiepjes, et.al., found that after 12 months men taking female hormones reported worsening in mood. This study did not include psychiatric medicines, only hormone replacement.
Children, teens and adults under the age of 25 may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking SSRIs, especially when they first start them or when they take a different dose.
Which begs the question: Why prescribe SSRIs to children, teens, and adults under age 25? I also note that in all the research cited above, none of that research involves anyone under the age of 18. Not even the ones that simply look at aggregated medical records.
As we continue to see an increase of both violent rhetoric and violent acts in the transgender community, I think it is absolutely necessary to investigate the effect of not only introducing the hormones of the opposite sex into an individual's body; but on the interaction of those hormones with the other medications being prescribed to the transgender population, such as SSRIs. However, as long as the "investigating community" views these types of investigations as creating a "hostile climate for transgenders" we won't be seeing anything of true value on this issue.
Cracker Barrel commits to restoring original logo [but this does not address the other issues of DEI, frozen food, food saved for service the next day, etc.]
Thomas was initially educated by Reverend Yates of Gloucester County. He was sent to England in 1753 to attend Newcome's School before enrolling in Christ's College, Cambridge in 1758. He graduated Christ's College in 1760 and returned to Virginia in 1761 where he assisted his father in operating several plantations.
Thomas married widow Lucy Grymes Burwell on July 29, 1762 and took on managing the estates left to her sons until they came of age. They had 14 children, 12 of whom survived to adulthood.
Thomas became active in politics with his election to the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1761 to 1775. From 1775 to 1777 he served as a Virginia Representative to the Continental Congress. Thomas also served on the Virginia Ratification Conventions representing York County. From 1777 to 1788 (serving 6 terms). Thomas served in Congress until 1776 when he had to resign due to illness. After recovery, he was elected again. As a Virginia Representative to the Continental Congress, he signed the Declaration of Independence. Thomas was a member of the committee that drafted the Articles of Confederation. He took a short break from the Virginia Ratification Conventions to serve as the 4th Governor of Virginia from June 12, 1781 to November 22, 1781 when he resigned due to illness.
Thomas was a brigadier general of the Lower Virginia Militia and engaged in the final siege of Yorktown. Since General Cornwallis took Thomas's home for his headquarters, Thomas offered 5 guineas to the first man who fired upon the home. The home still stands with 2 cannonballs in its brick walls (but it is said that those cannonballs were deliberately placed in the walls). After the war, he found his landholdings were severely damaged creating significant debt. He was also never repaid by the government for the financial support he provided during the war. He would be hounded by creditors for the rest of his life.
Thomas died 9 days after his 50th birthday on January 4, 1789 at his son's home in Hanover County, Virginia. His friend, Dr. Smith, attended his death and left the following account:
From his unexampled patriotick exertions during the late war he had exhausted a fortune and at the time I mention saw his property arrested, and a prospect of sinking from affluence, almost to absolute poverty. My friend! you can easily conceive the poignant distress of a man in this situation, with an amiable wife and a dozen children around him. He cou’d not bear it. I attended him in his last illness and saw that the exquisite tortures of the mind were the disease that destroyed his body.
He was interred in the family plot at Grace Church in Yorktown, Virginia.
Those are some of the exact words used by Google’s censors, aka 'Orwellian content police,' in describing many of our controversial stories. Stories later proven to be truthful and light years ahead of the mainstream media. But because we reported those 'inconvenient truths' they're trying to bankrupt ANP.
