An Indiana man charged with beating another man in the head with a metal bar told police the devil made him do it, The Indianapolis Star writes. But according to a police report, Leo Wantuch III, 37, of Mishawaka told police the devil only began controlling him after he started taking the Paxil antidepressant drug about six years ago.

Devil or no devil, Wantuch was charged Monday with battery with a deadly weapon after striking a 30-year-old man, who is supposedly a long-time friend, and causing 20 stitches to the head and a fractured wrist. The attack took place at Wantuch’s house, and an off-duty police officer who was visiting at a neighboring house reportedly witnessed the attack and subdued Wantuch before police arrived.

Wantuch reportedly told police he wanted to draw attention to the effects of Paxil. This could easily result in a controversial trial, if Wantuch gets that far. Paxil is known for a withdrawal syndrome - for some, the pill can be difficult to discontinue without causing disturbing side effects. And, as you may recall, Paxil and other antidepressants are, sometimes, blamed for violent episodes. Others, however, can be expected to argue that Wantuch used these headlines as an excuse for his bad behavior. As always, the devils are in the details. Or perhaps they really are in Wantuch.