I also understand that one meta-analysis of SSRI clinical trials found
only minor differences between drug efficacy and the placebo effect. A
meta-analysis is limited by the quality and scope of the primary research,
as well as its own methodology, so it has to be taken with a grain of
salt. But the implication is that the prescribing of SSRI casts a wide net
to catch relatively few patients who actually benefit from the effects of
the drug above and beyond the psychological benefit they get from
receiving treatment.
On Thu, 24 Aug 2000, Robert E. Bowd wrote:
> On the SSRIs, the only thing I would like to add is that the clinical
> trials on the seratonin uptake drugs is often quite short, with very
> little known about the long term effects of using these drugs. The FDA,
> in the US, has been quite compliant, in this rush to profit, on the part
> of the drug companies, with Health Canada being a little more cautious.
> I know of one case example where a user was losing vision, due to an
> SSRI [I think it was Welbutrin?]. The vision was restored when the
> patient opposed their doctor's wishes, and stopped the drug. Of course,
> the candy cart was rolled out and an alternative SSRI was prescribed.
> Limitless choice, almost, I guess. I suspect that one day we will be
> reading about a major drug scandal, involving these medications, much as
> we have with the tobacco companies, and that other drug, tobacco - the
> common link being science for profit.
>
> Regards,
> BB
>
> "J. Walter Plinge" wrote:
>
> > Judi
> >
> > Regarding Prozac
> >
> > As a matter of fact I worked for a place called Margaret Mannor
> > (now closed)in Seattle for 2 years as the house director; the
> > people were more than depressed - some had lost all
> > touch with reality.
> >
> > Frankly I don't see what my article has to do with them. It
> > has to do with the INAPPROPRIATE use of drugs in a cruel and
> > perverse society that addresses Symptoms rather than Causes...
> > that thinks that the solution to everything lies in a pill, rather
> > than face up to the source of the problem; its socio-economic
> > and political structure.
> >
> > I have no doubt that Prozac may be helping many people cope.
> > I myself had asked my GP about anti-depressants, but then I
> > had second thoughts. I moved to France instead. End of problem.
> >
> > Judi, get a grip. You people have 2,000,000 people incarcerated
> > over there, most of whom are imprisoned at the behest of
> > Drug manufacturers.
> >
> > Maybe you should read my article again with that in mind.
> >
> > Sincerely
> > JWP
>
>
Temps Walker
Sandwichman and Deconsultant
