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Re: Peter Breggin

Posted by SLS on November 10, 2009, at 15:12:24

In reply to Re: Peter Breggin, posted by uncouth on November 10, 2009, at 14:20:48

Hi Uncouth.

I have no desire to produce an intelligent treatise on the whole of Peter Breggin's writings, but I do not take him seriously, despite his ability to weave a few facts into conclusions that seem logical. For instance, it is true that the volume of hippocampal tissue increases with the application of antidepressants. However, I would want to see the laboratory data that he uses to show that this is evidence of the destruction of neurons by these drugs. How does he account for the shrinking of this brain structure as is seen in depressive illness prior to any drug exposure? Holes.

> My primary concern right now is the potential toxicity of lithium.

Wise. Be sure to get regular blood tests for kidney and thyroid function. The lower the dosage of lithium, the lower is the risk of developing problems in these areas.

> I have been at 600mg for 6 weeks and I can definitely tell some cognitive and memory problems.

Lithium is known to produce impairments in these areas, although not all the time.

> I am talking to my dr. about reducing the dose. I feel the lithium helped me get out of my suicidal pit, but now could be one of the causes of this chronic apathy and indifference I feel.

Again, lithium is known to produce the side effects that you are reporting, although not everyone experiences them. I am very surprised that I don't seem to be having the flat affect and passivity that I thought lithium had produced in me in the past. I am currently at 900mg. I had a blood test for lithium level last week, but I don't know the results yet.

> I think SSRIs also contribute to that,

SSRIs can cause everything you describe.

> and I'm hoping wellbutrin and agomelatine do not share that property....I for one won't ever take SSRIs again.

If they are wrong for you, it makes sense to look elsewhere. I hope your next treatment cocktail does the trick. I would like to know if agomelatine can be combined with Parnate. Do you know anything about this?

> and now wondering if I should even be on an antipsychotic at all. Breggin is pretty convinced they are universally disabling.

In what way?

> Anyway, reading some of his stuff (his books are available in partial form to read on Google Books) got me thinking and a bit scared.

Don't be scared just yet. You might want to go Googling for material that addresses directly the validity of Breggin's claims and conclusions.

> Do I have to choose between intense emotional pain or complete numbness and affectlessness?

Probably not.


- Scott

 

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