Rx/Antidepressants

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2006
Rx/Antidepressants
7
Thu, 01-17-2008 - 9:19pm

One more reason to think twice before using these drugs:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/17/health/17depress.html?em&ex=1200718800&en=08ae138921106e46&ei=5087%0A

"The makers of antidepressants like Prozac and Paxil never published the results of about a third of the drug trials that they conducted to win government approval, misleading doctors and consumers about the drugs’ true effectiveness, a new analysis has found.

In published trials, about 60 percent of people taking the drugs report significant relief from depression, compared with roughly 40 percent of those on placebo pills. But when the less positive, unpublished trials are included, the advantage shrinks: the drugs outperform placebos, but by a modest margin, concludes the new report, which appears Thursday in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Previous research had found a similar bias toward reporting positive results for a variety of medications; and many researchers have questioned the reported effectiveness of antidepressants. But the new analysis, reviewing data from 74 trials involving 12 drugs, is the most thorough to date. And it documents a large difference: while 94 percent of the positive studies found their way into print, just 14 percent of those with disappointing or uncertain results did."

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http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/october/meet_the_new_health_.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTBYQlQ7yM

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-02-2008
Fri, 01-18-2008 - 7:24am

"One more reason to think twice before using these drugs"

This report would not change my mind on giving my DD zoloft. I think in her case it was a necessity. Her life is sooooo much better after starting the med. I do not ever want to go through again what we went through with her before she started it. It was a living h*ll for all of us.

http://www.paintedthoughts.us
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-14-2006
Fri, 01-18-2008 - 7:39am
This is interesting. I had a couple of thoughts

1) the drugs may have only slightly better than a 50/50 effect. So for every person who says "this helped me or my kid" there is another person who wasn't helped - about the same effect as taking a placebo. So, if it were me (or my kid), I'd want to be cautious. Drugs have side effects, placebos don't.

2) drug companies don't publish data that doesn't support their drug - it makes sense that they'd protect their interests, but makes it clear that they're not always out for OUR interests. Again, caution.

Not discussed here are the possible effects of antidepressants on teens
(http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/07/opinion/07fri2.html) - which raises more concerns.

I think medication for psychological issues has made tremendous strides - but we all want to be informed consumers!

Sue, mom to Leah and Seth


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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-25-2006
Fri, 01-18-2008 - 8:18am

I'm glad Zoloft has improved your dd's life. The one Rx, Levoxyl, that I take has improved mine. It is still good for us to keep on top of the research about any Rx.

In another thread there was some discussion of the FDA-approved Rx vs. supplements. When drug companies publish only the studies with positive results, that FDA approval has less value, imo. Note the title is RX/antidepressants. If drug companies are putting out biased reports this for this class of drugs, no doubt it occurs with others, as well.

I am always quick to question my physician about any recommendation she makes regarding diagnostics or treatment with drugs. Desperate for relief, a lot of people simply take their professional advice and run with it. Any drug/supplement needs to be researched before one starts taking it. While some physicians are diligent in explaining alternative treatments, asking a patient about supplements and other Rx he is taking, and in warning of side effects and synergistic effects, many are not.

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http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/october/meet_the_new_health_.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQTBYQlQ7yM

Avatar for heartsandroses2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 01-18-2008 - 11:14am

Unfortunately, when I family is dealing with an out of control child who continuously places his/her health and well being, as well as others',

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-02-2008
Fri, 01-18-2008 - 2:29pm

heartsandroses2002, VERY WELL SAID!!!!

http://www.paintedthoughts.us
Avatar for heartsandroses2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 01-18-2008 - 3:40pm
Thanks, I will admit that this is a "hot button" topic for me and mine.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2005
Fri, 01-18-2008 - 10:19pm
What an excellent post! Each and every medication-be it traditional or non-traditional-needs to be looked at carefully. Weigh the positive effects with the side effects to see if this is something that is worth trying. All the best to your DD.
Amy