Monday, August 23, 2004

Safety of Antidepressant Drugs Questioned FDA to Issue New Antidepressant Warnings The mighty FDA rarely speaks out against the offerings of the Big Drug Companies. When it does make a warning such as this, it is especially noteworthy. Depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors are closely linked, drugs or no drugs. Medical and nursing students are traditionally taught, for very good reason, that a person who is depressed and may have had suicidal thoughts is at especially high risk in the early stages of any form of treatment, as the lethargy and inability to make or carry through decisions is lifted, and the person may become more capable of carrying out self-harm before the depression is lifted enough that they no longer harbor such thoughts. This is a critical and dangerous time in the treatment of anyone with depression, and friends and family members need to be especially vigilant at this time. It seems however, that recent research is indicating that children and teenagers are being placed at higher risk by the very drugs that are being used to "treat" their depression. So also are a small sub-set of adults who appear to be especially sensitive to these effects. I am not a psychiatrist. I would not presume to advise anyone to stop taking antidepressant drugs, even though it is beginning to appear that at least for some, the risks outweigh the potential benefits. What I do know is that one of the most popular of the SSRI (Serotonin Synaptic Reuptake Inhibitor) drugs is Prozac. I also know, for an absolute fact (as Dr. Myatt has said many times,) depression is not caused by a "Prozac Deficiency." Prozac and other SSRI's are used to treat a serotonin deficiency by helping to keep existing serotonin "in circulation" in the brain for a little longer. SSRI's don't cause the brain or the body to "make more serotonin." There is a way however to support the body and the brain, allowing it to have what it needs to create it's own supplies of this important brain hormone. L-5 Htp is an intermediate metabolite of the amino acid L-tryptophan. In supplemental form, it is derived from the herb Griffonia simplicifolia. This amino acid intermediate participates in the body’s production of serotonin. L-5-HTP taken orally is well absorbed (much better than tryptophan) and enhances the body's own manufacturer of the above-listed brain hormones. Depression in anyone of any age must not be taken lightly. Let me say it a different way - depression is a serious business, and not a good thing to be trying to "self-doctor" or self-medicate. Just to make sure you are clear on this, depression is a grave and serious illness, that demands a careful, caring, and sensitive physician's care. Now, having said that, here are some more thoughts on the matter. I would highly advise anyone who thinks they, or a friend or loved one might be depressed to seek professional help. Consult Dr. Myatt - she has a great deal of experience treating depression, not by prescribing SSRI's, but by helping patients supply their bodies with the raw materials needed to function at their highest level. Please visit our website and our informational page on Mood Disorder and Depression for additional information and support measures. Don't fool with depression - it can be dangerous. But it is also surprisingly easily to correct. Better yet, it can be prevented. Good nutrition, careful supplementation, and other lifestyle and supportive measures can "do the trick" handily! Cheers, Nurse Mark 12:35:33 PM

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