Deciphering The Ironies Of Antidepressants
Posted by Depressed - 02/02/12 at 12:02 amAntidepressants reflect kaleidoscopic aspects of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Depression is the most popular form of disorder that is why millions of SSRI related treatments have been noted worldwide. Fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluvoxamine (Luvox) all belong to the SSRI family. They are classified accordingly depending on the disorder they cure but their main purpose is to increase the serotonin neurotransmitter in the brain to boost happy and positive emotions.
The million dollar query subsists: Does it really work? Studies have shown that for mild depression, antidepressants and placebo pills stand on equal footing. The drug’s efficiency in that aspect is different from person to person. However, in panic disorder, major depressive disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder and other severe forms of depression, SSRI medications were found to be more successful since these patients are less likely to respond to placebo pills. Aside from SSRIs, other renowned treatments for depression include psychiatric treatments such as “talk” therapy, which most patients would pursue. Around 2.3 billion SSRI drugs have been prescribed and patients who consult doctors for depression reached 74%. Women and children are the ones mostly affected by this mental and emotional disorder.
For women, special classes of depression developed such as postpartum depression, premenstrual and menopausal syndrome. Whether pregnant, single, married, young and old, countless of women have experienced depression which affected not only their lives, but the lives of their loved ones as well. The most critical connection established for antidepressants runs between pregnant women or nursing mothers. Several studies indicate that use of Zoloft or Paxil during pregnancy risks the infants of having a higher chance of birth defects. It has also been found out that Paxil may be conveyed to a neonate through Paxil intake while breastfeeding the newborn. Albeit a few percentage, some infants even developed persistent pulmonary hypertension.
For children and adolescents, it is an alarming finding that depression has made its way to their generation even affecting little toddlers. Although SSRI is prescribed to children and adolescents, a close monitoring system has been advised to both parents and doctors. Among the emotional side effects that SSRI medications like Paxil is said to produce, suicidal thinking behavior, insomnia and increased irritability are the most significant behavioral changes noticed among young users.As the case may be, SSRI use may cure the child or adolescent or may worsen his depression. Parents should exert due vigilance in eyeing on symptoms right after prescription and should scrutinize the risks and benefits of the use of a particular antidepressant.
As reflected in various studies regarding the likely connection to these side effects, more claimants came forward for compensatory damages. A Paxil lawsuit, for example, was carried out against its manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline, for allegedly causing a patient to commit suicide. Other injuries have been noted as well, like autism, bodily inflammation and schizophrenia.
REFERENCES:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_120749.html
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/antidepressant-medications-for-children-and-adolescents-information-for-parents-and-caregivers.shtml
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/drugsafety/informationbydrugclass/UCM161646.pdf
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7263494.stm
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/drugs.htm
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/21/us-antidepressant-idUSTRE7BK1ZU20111221
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Should_children_take_antidepressants.htm
