Posted by Tomatheus on June 21, 2006, at 23:13:34
In reply to Re: SSRIs, posted by flmm on June 21, 2006, at 21:48:07
Are SSRIs helpful for some depressed individuals? Absolutely.
It's great to hear that SSRIs helped you, your wife, 2 of your 3 sisters, and others. Don't get me wrong, I do think that there are SSRI responders out there, and for these individuals, the SSRIs can be life savers.
But based on all the SSRI-related research studies I've read and all messages I've read on this board and other boards, I hardly think it's accurate to state that SSRIs give most people their lives back. If that were the case, then we wouldn't be hearing about all these covered up research studies that showed SSRIs to be no more effective than placebo in treating depression. (Note: I'm not saying that the results of *all* -- or even most -- studies suggest this; what I'm suggesting is that there were a few studies that found certain SSRIs to be no more effective than placebo, and the results of some of these studies were hidden from the public by pharmaceutical companies.)
And in terms of efficacy, it is my impression from the research that I've done that the SSRIs and other newer ADs (e.g., SSNRIs, Wellbutrin) are at least somewhat inferior to the TCAs and MAOIs. Sure, they tend to cause fewer side effects than the TCAs, and they don't require the dietary restrictions that the MAOIs required. But they're not the ultra-safe wonder drugs that they've been made out to be, and compared with the older ADs, they're only marginally effective.
Now, of course, if you find that you've benefited significantly from maintenance doses of SSRIs, keep taking them. But don't just assume that the response that you get is indicative of the response that "most people" will experience.
Tomatheus
> For people so anti-drugs, you guys sure know a lot about them! SSRI meds help me, my wife, and 2 of my 3 sisters, to name a few. Sure they are not perfect. But not too long ago we would all have been in the wacko-house! They help me personally function enough to get to work and live a productive life. Same with many of my friends and family! I am gratefull they exist, cause i would be done! Anxiety and depression are very serious and the drugs that treat them are some of the best medicine has to offer. The successes of these drugs will not be heard from on this board! This board is for something else, I am still trying to figure out what that is............
poster:Tomatheus
thread:651514
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060617/msgs/660007.html