Posted by Cam W. on March 9, 2002, at 3:47:58
In reply to Receptors and ADs » Cam W., posted by BarbaraCat on March 8, 2002, at 0:43:10
Barbara - Tricyclic antidepressants have been around since the 1950s. There are epidemiological studies that include data on TCA use. There has been no evidence of long-lasting effects from taking antidepressants (except in some extreme cases). Leaving the depression untreated would have resulted in a much higher mortality rate.
Also, the "Prozac Babies" are now in their 20's. These were the first batch of babies who were conceived while the mother was taking Prozac or took Prozac while pregnant. Many of the offspring were followed and they have not turned out any weirder than any other American =^)
The problem may be in the kindling process that seems to be seen in major depression. The theory is that with each subsequent depressive episode, the next comes sooner, lasts longer, and is worse symptomatically. In other words, in at least some people, it seems that it is a depressive episode that does the damage to the neurocircuitry. Using antidepressants potentially interupts kindling, which would (hopefully) result in fewer lifetime episodes of depression.
I believe that the benefits obtained from taking antidepressants, when truly needed, far, far outweigh any short-term or long-term problem from the antidepressant itself.
Just my opinion - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:5582
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020307/msgs/97169.html