Posted by Cam W. on March 8, 2000, at 0:25:13
In reply to Re: paxil and suicide, posted by bob on March 7, 2000, at 18:30:21
Missy - The reason that the drug companies say that you should not take Paxil (or any antidepressant) originally comes from the few deaths by suicide that were seen when Prozac was introduced in the early 1990s. Remember, the Church of Scientology played this up by exaggerating actual number of deaths and planting items in the mainstream press by experts (their "experts", not drug experts) as scare tactics. The reason that SSRIs should not be used in people with suicidal ideation is that these people, while depressed, haven't the energy to act on their impulses. The Prozac started reversing the depression, lifting the lethargy, and the people who had the suicidal ideation now had energy to act upon their impulses (as Bob has said above). Just because you think about dying while lying awake in bed (as many of us have done at one time or another) does not mean that you are planning on acting upon these thoughts (eg have formulated a suicide plan). It would be best to talk about this with your doctor and voice your concerns, and both of you can come to a consensus on your mental state (eg whether you are really suicidal or if it is the depression that is giving you these thoughts). Be up front with your doc and tell him what you have told us. Maybe it would be wise to ask what others in here think. They may have better insight or may find my logic wrong. Always get another opinion in this room; there are many knowledgeable people who have been where you are now. Bob has some good ideas. Good luck - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:26269
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000302/msgs/26323.html