Health
Prozac Backlash
Some consider Prozac a miracle drug, but what about dissenting opinions on this widely prescribed anti-depressant? PBS Online presents a brief history of Prozac in its feature, A Science Odyssey, noting the recent backlash against the drug.
A 1999 World Health Organization report identified depression as the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States and the third biggest, behind heart disease and strokes, in Europe. Introduced in 1987, Prozac rapidly gained adherents as many users reported feeling more confident, spontaneous and optimistic than before.
By 1992, 4.5 million Americans had tried the anti-depressant, while various reports emerged that many patients also felt more suicidal on Prozac. The many negative side effects of Prozac, such as neurological disorders and sexual dysfunction, are detailed in the new book, Prozac Backlash, by leading Harvard psychiatrist Joseph Glenmullen.
Glenmullen also theorizes that Prozac and similar drugs may be causing silent brain damage that may trigger mental problems in later life. Along with citing evidence that Prozac causes memory problems, Glenmullen adds that physically healthy patients develop tics while using both Prozac and various tranquilizers.
Guilt-free eating tips can be found at Say YES to Food.
A 1999 World Health Organization report identified depression as the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States and the third biggest, behind heart disease and strokes, in Europe. Introduced in 1987, Prozac rapidly gained adherents as many users reported feeling more confident, spontaneous and optimistic than before.
By 1992, 4.5 million Americans had tried the anti-depressant, while various reports emerged that many patients also felt more suicidal on Prozac. The many negative side effects of Prozac, such as neurological disorders and sexual dysfunction, are detailed in the new book, Prozac Backlash, by leading Harvard psychiatrist Joseph Glenmullen.
Glenmullen also theorizes that Prozac and similar drugs may be causing silent brain damage that may trigger mental problems in later life. Along with citing evidence that Prozac causes memory problems, Glenmullen adds that physically healthy patients develop tics while using both Prozac and various tranquilizers.
Guilt-free eating tips can be found at Say YES to Food.
