Sunday, July 03, 2005
FDA Issues Warning on SSRIs (Antidepressants)
I think the fact that the FDA is now warning the public of the dangers of antidepressants is very appropriate and timely.
These drugs have gotten a lot of publicity from Brooke Shields lately and I'm concerned that their real danger is being brushed aside over a misunderstanding or perhapse a deliberate misinterpretation of what Tom Cruise has been saying about them (which is basically the same message the FDA has now released -- that they are dangerous).
What I don't understand, from reading about Brooke Shields' doctor who admits that when he diagnosed post partum depression, Brooke was actually suffering from total hormone imbalance, not a chemical imbalance. Why he didn't treat THAT.
There is so much potential risk from taking antidepressants -- why would anyone put a woman on these drugs without addressing what was clearly really wrong medically?
My other opinion is that the family of new moms need to be much more attentive and helpful to them. They need sleep and some time off and good food in addition to whatever help they need to balance their hormones.
We all come through this in the end and many of us have experienced what Brooke describes. But the real point is take care of the CAUSE of the problem, don't create new havock!
The good news on this is that it is coming out in the media now and a lot of women are finding out about alternatives to taking these meds.
