Posted by bulldog2 on October 27, 2009, at 12:08:09
In reply to Re: Should SSRIs Be Taken Off The Market? » bulldog2, posted by delna on October 27, 2009, at 11:49:44
> Nooooooo!
> Definitely not! For people who have had one bout of depression and need antidepressants for a few months, they are a godsend.
>
> Plus the other drugs, TCA's and MAOI's, apart from being really hard to tolerate are not safe at all especially for special classes like the elderly, those with hepatic/ renal impairment etc.
> Their only option is an SSRI.
>
> But I am very anti-irresponsible drug prescribing.
> I think drugs, in general should not just be taken off the market because of some possible long term side effect, rather they should be prescribed responsibly. I think in some countries SSRI's are indeed handed out as sweets and that is where the problem lies.
>
> Take for example accutane. This drug, in the long-term has been associated with low bone density (and countless other things) which leads to osteoporosis. . But should it be pulled from the market? No, because IMHO it really does help a lot of people and has a very special place in dermatology that no other drug can fill. However it should be prescribed with great care and prudence by a specialist and in serious cases.
>
> Irresponsible use of a drugs is not a reason to remove them from the market. Eduction is the answer. SSRI's need to prescribed when they are REALLY needed and not to 'cover-up' normal life's problems. Which currently they are being used for.
>
> One general comment.... what I do find quite appalling and which happens all the time in the US (as opposed to UK of even India) is direct-to- consumer marketing of prescription drugs. This is so dangerous.It lulls everyone into believing that these drugs are somehow safe and patients approach their docs demanding them for every little thing. I mean, look at the recent campaign for Abilify as an add-on for depression. That ad really cheesed me off because it made Abilify sound like this magical, harmless med. Did you see all the lovely imagery...it made my blood boil!
> Oh sorry I think I just went off topic.....
>
> Anyway, I feel eduction is key, of both doctors AND patients. SSRI's are definitely not benign but are a valuable addition in the treatment of psych problems. So no, they should not be pulled from the market. Perhaps limiting who can actually prescribe the drug may help
> TC
> DYes you made some excellent points. The drug TV ads you mentioned do list the side effects and some of them are truely awful. I hope people are listening.
poster:bulldog2
thread:922639
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20091021/msgs/922887.html