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Risks VS Benefits of Taking Anti-Depressants : To Take or Not To Take by Travis Lim By now you've probably heard that the FDA warned that depressors on certain anti-depressants should be monitored closely for warning signs of suicide. This came after a teenager committed suicide while on antidepressants and after a study involving 4,000 subjects showed that 2% to 4% of children and teens who were given anti-depressants for the treatment of depression became suicidal, that is they had suicidal thoughts, or made suicidal attempts of one kind or another.
This prompt FDA to put a "black box" label you will now find on those drugs. The "black label" is the highest warning that the FDA would put on a label. The new labels would apply to both pediatric and adult usage of bupropion (Wellbutrin), citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), and venlafaxine (Effexor). Most of these drugs belong to a class of anti-depressants known as SSRIs or SSRI-like drugs which act through the brain chemical serotonin; while Remeron, Serzone and Wellbutrin, operate differently. The FDA however, confirmed that Prozac doesn't lead to increased suicidal tendencies. Some of the possible side effects of taking anti-depressants are that some teens tend to get more aggressive, more hostile, increased anxiety, insomnia and increase in suicidal thoughts. So, what now? Should I take anti-depressants or not? Studies show 15% of children and teens with depression who receive no treatment will commit suicide. These 15% will not just think about it, but will actually kill themselves. The risk of not treating depression is much, much greater than the possible side effects of treatment. However that doesn't mean you should just go out and buy some of the shelf. Anti-depressants should always be taken with the doctor's prescription.
Ask your doctor what are the possible side effects you should look out for. The doctor will most likely ask you to start with low doses for a week or two. If you think you show any signs of the side effects, consult your doctor IMMEDIATELY. Also, remember that psychotherapy along with medication is the most effective way of treating depression.
Other articles by Travis Lim Newest Articles in Psychology The Philosophy Of The Color Red - by Jim Slate
Understanding the color red and what it means in society, art, culture, and media, is a complex undertaking. You have to understand that the meaning of the color red comes from a variety of sources. On the one hand It Is Possible To Transform Problems Into Opportunities - by Sandy Shaw "So tell me then - how can a very real and serious problem be turned and transformed into an opportunity? Is this not just some clever psychological trick?" That was the challenging and almost cynical question posed to me. Come Yes Or No? - by Uma Ranganathan Have you ever noticed how often people make decisions which they are not really prepared to stand by? That a yes is seldom (or often not) a full throated YES but a way to avoid saying "No". In our Family Values in Cambodian Mentality - by Lay Vicheka Not only unique in its material mentality, Cambodia does boast unique spiritual mentality which is of great lesson to Cambodians and the world. So what is that unique value that the author is indirectly referring to? "Family value" is the "Understanding", a Foundation for Everything! - by Lay Vicheka To me, I am worth a human person! Is rhetoric, provoking me to tirelessly make an endeavor, seeking the path on which I and other human persons should or should not walk on. Philosopher, with reference to its father, |
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