spacer
    spacer        
an About site    
  > Auctions
  > CreditReport
  > Free Web Site
    spacer
You are here:   About > Health/Fitness > Depression
spacer
spacer
Your Guide spacer Depression
with  Nancy Schimelpfening  Your Guide to One of Over  700 Sites
 
spacer
 
Search for  
 
spacer
   Home · Recent Articles · Visit Forums · Chat Live · Contact Guide · Free Newsletter
spacer
spacer
               
Subjects
Am I Depressed?
Brain Chem 101
Causes
Who's at Risk

ADD/ADHD
Bipolar Disorder
Chronic Pain
Chronic Illness
Dysthymia
Dual Diagnosis
Grief and Loss
Panic/Anxiety
SAD

Child Depression
Elderly Depression
Female Depression
Male Depression

Self-Injury
Suicide

Drug Index
Treatments

Helping Loved Ones
Online Support
Offline Support
Seeking Help

Subject Library 

All articles on this topic
 
Stay up-to-date!
Subscribe to our newsletter.

Want a free web site?
It's easy with new About SiteBuilder!
Get your site now

Do you like our sites?
Wish to share them with others - and earn money?
Become an Affiliate

Got a question?
Ask an Expert

The Perils of Prozac
Part III

Note: If you or anyone you know are currently taking an SSRI and are doing well on it do not discontinue your medication based upon this article. Although the information presented here may be disturbing, it does not mean that you will become violent while taking SSRIs. In fact, if you discontinue a medication that is working well for you, you may risk withdrawal symptoms, depression or suicidal feelings. You should never discontinue any medication on your own. Always consult your physician first.

INTRODUCTION

In Part I we examined the speculated link between SSRIs like Prozac, Luvox and Zoloft and the rising rates of certain violent crimes. In Part II we read about one woman's true experience with violent feelings while on Prozac and learned what some experts say about why these bad reactions occur in a small percentage of patients. This week we will look at what you can do if you've had an adverse reaction.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

Drugs like Prozac have saved many lives. They also may have had a devastating effect on a rare few individuals. This is not to say that SSRIs should be labeled as dangerous or taken off the market. Rather we need to arm ourselves with information. Sometimes people do become suicidal or violent in the early stages of treatment. Blame it on the drug or the disease, this is still a fact. It is highly important during the initial stages of treatment with an SSRI that you are monitored by your friends, family, or physician. If you begin having irrational thoughts and feelings you may not recognize them as such. An outside observer can become a necessary lifeline if you get in trouble.

For further information:

International Coalition for Drug Awareness
This is a group which is working to make the public aware of the downsides of prescription medications.
Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology
Dr. Peter Breggin's Web site.

IF YOU'VE ALREADY HAD AN ADVERSE REACTION

First and foremost if you've had a bad experience with any medication is finding emotional support and learning to go on with your life. Here are some sites on the Web for "Prozac Survivors":

Prozac Survivors Support Group
A support group for those who've had a bad Prozac experience.
Prozac Survivor
This Web site was put together by a Prozac survivor.

SSRIS ON TRIAL

Let's face it. We do live in a litigious society. With most other forms of revenge being either illegal or immoral, lawsuits are the only outlet we have left to inflict vengeance on those who have hurt us. The SSRIs have certainly brought their share of lawsuits. Here are just a few from recent years. There are many, many more not listed here.

The Forsyth Case
Williamson vs. Eli Lilly
Christian vs. Eli Lilly
Hartmann Wrongful Death Case

Is this the route you should seek? Thus far no precedent setting cases are out there to guarantee you success. As you can see, however, this is not stopping anyone.

Should you choose this route for yourself, you will probably have no problem locating a lawyer to help you. I found these three without breaking a sweat:

Justiceseekers.com
Law firm which specializes in patients who believe they have been injured by SSRI drugs. Site contains information about a few high profile cases.
Parker and Waichman
Firm which handled the first Prozac litigation brought before a US court.
Baum, Hedlund, Aristei, Guilford, and Downey
Firm which handled the Forsyth vs. Eli Lilly Case.

IN CONCLUSION

As this article comes to a close I just want to leave you with a few words of advice. Although the SSRIs are a vast improvement over previous medications, they are not a panacea. Do use them, but with care. Educate yourself and keep your eyes open. Do not have blind faith in a drug to work miracles in your life. Drugs such as Prozac do not change reality or resolve issues. What they can do is can bring quick relief to crippling depression and set the stage for you to learn the coping skills you need to rebuild your life.

 Go back to the beginning of this article. 

Talk about it

There are 15 people chatting now...Join them!

Post in the Forum

Subscribe to The Depression Newsletter

Name

Email


Previous Features

 




Email this page!

Sponsored Links
DepressionVoice: Healthcare is About Patients!
Real feedback wanted about your depression experiences. Be Heard! Complete our survey for a chance to win cash prizes! We have links to patient information and the latest news. Join today
http://www.drugvoice.com/   (Listing fee: $0.25)
www.ImmuneSupport.com
#1 Rated Site for chronic pain and immune disorders. Lowest price on Sam-e (from Nature Made)& St John's Wort. Free treatment and research email bulletin.
http://www.immunesupport.com/   (Listing fee: $0.23)
5-HTP from Whole Health Discount Center
Read the latest research on 5-HTP. Whole Health Discount Center: award-winning product information and top-rated customer service. Save 25-45% everyd
http://www.health-pages.com/   (Listing fee: $0.22)
Sam-E For 25% To 45% Off Retail Price
Buy the original SAM-e at our deeply discounted price. Whole Health Discount Center: award-winning info and guaranteed lowest price. Rated #1 in customer satisfaction by BizRate.
http://www.health-pages.com/   (Listing fee: $0.16)
Online Medical Resources
Comphealth provides comprehensive healthcare staffing plus local Temporary opportunities and permanent placement services to physicians and allied health providers.
http://www.mycomphealth-online.com/   (Listing fee: $0.15)
More... Buy a Link Now!



Related Sites
spacer
from About & Partners
  Abuse/Incest Support
Alcoholism
Bipolar Disorder
Health for Teens
Mental Health Resources
Panic/Anxiety Disorders
Pharmacology
Senior Health
Substance Abuse
Women's Health
Also Recommended

Apply to become
a partner
for this site.

 

spacer
 
 Magazine Offer
 
 Advertising
VANIQA.com
Visit, or ask your doctor about VANIQA.

Spedia.com
Get $150 in an Hour, Signing Up at Sites

HotJobs
Onward! Upward!

win millions!!
Just three easy steps can make you a millionaire!

Marketplace
  • bladder control
  • free storybooks
  • win a mercedes
  • lift your spirit
  • get fit for free
  • $10 Off - beauty
  • free cd-rom!
  • win a mercedes
  • like free stuff?
  • $5 off used music
  • free backpack

  •                    


    Important Disclaimer Information about this About Site

    spacer spacer
       Search   
    spacer spacer spacer spacer
    Explore More on the About Network!
    About Australia
    About Canada
    About India
    About Ireland
    About UK

    Arts/Literature
    Autos
    Cities/Towns
    Comedy
    Computing/Technology 
    Cultures 
    Education
    Entertainment
    Food/Drink
    Finance/Investing
    Gadgets
    Games
    Health/Fitness
    Hobbies
    Home/Garden
    Homework Help
    Industry
    Internet/Online 
    Kids
    Jobs/Careers
    Money
    Movies
    Music/Performing Arts
    News/Issues
    Parenting/Family
    People/Relationships 
    Pets
    Recreation/Outdoors
    Real Estate
    Religion/Spirituality
    Science
    Shopping
    Small Business
    Sports
    Style
    Teens
    Travel
    TV/Radio
    spacer
    spacer spacer
     
    About Us | User Agreement | Privacy & Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
    Copyright  © 2001 About.com, Inc. About and About.com are registered trademarks of About.com, Inc. The About logo is a trademark of About.com, Inc. All rights reserved.