The Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SRI) story starts in 1969 with Arvid Carlsson (above) who created Zelmid, the first SRI, after listening to people on antidepressants. He linked an anxiolytic effect some older drugs have to the serotonin system. The SRIs aimed at exploring that effect - Normality and Antidepressant Dysregulation. Fluoxetine (Prozac). sertraline (Zoloft). … [Read more...] about Restoring the Magic to Healthcare
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The Fantasies of Psychopharmacology
This talk was first given at a Medicating Normal Meeting for mental health staff in Lexington Kentucky organized by Geoff Wilson and a few days later in May at the invitation of Don Marks to a group of clinical psychologists in Kean University New Jersey. I'm hoping it will lead to feedback from both groups and others. It is twinned with Truth, Trust and Health also given … [Read more...] about The Fantasies of Psychopharmacology
Podcasts, YouTube Channels, Blogs and Related
In some of the comments after the last post, POGO mentioned that Josef Witt-Doerring has done two interviews with me so far and posted them on his site. The Risks of Antidepressants and Antidepressants and Mass Shootings/Murder Suicide: An interview has also appeared on Demystifying Science podcast with Anastasia & Michael Shilo The Podcast called … [Read more...] about Podcasts, YouTube Channels, Blogs and Related
Antidepressant Neuropathy and the Color of Life
Illustration: Is There Life After Meds?, © 2014 created by Billiam James Here is a Question put to the recent RxISK post on Sensory Neuropathy. I’m a psychologist and I have made numerous attempts to discontinue antidepressants only to experience significant withdrawal symptoms. I’ve been on antidepressants for 25 years at this point and have made four unsuccessful attempts … [Read more...] about Antidepressant Neuropathy and the Color of Life
Insomnia the Royal Road to Pills and Nightmares
This post links to Bob Fiddaman's Forty Winks last week. Insomnia is one of our all time biggest problems. We all need Kind Nature's Chief Restorer to knit up the ravelled sleeve of care. There is all sorts of health advice out there about how you owe it to yourself to get a good nights sleep, that its dangerous not to, and that whatever is today's hypnotic of … [Read more...] about Insomnia the Royal Road to Pills and Nightmares
Forty Winks: Insomnia and Antidepressants
This post is by Bob Fiddaman. The phrase "forty winks" can be traced back to Dr. William Kitchiner’s 1821 self-help guide, The Art of Invigorating and Prolonging Life. The title is ironic given many users of antidepressants really don't find that their medication invigorates or, indeed prolongs their lives, although many will argue that they prolong their lives because … [Read more...] about Forty Winks: Insomnia and Antidepressants
The Insomnia Diaries
Insomnia is a huge problem. Insomnia triggered by the drugs supposed to treat it is another huge problem. A RxISK post featuring enduring sleep difficulties after antidepressants has been very heavily accessed and commented on. Miranda Levy puts all three sleep problems in the frame in a way that all too many will recognize. Eight weeks after I stopped being able to … [Read more...] about The Insomnia Diaries
Sleep Problems After Stopping Antidepressants?
It is well known that antidepressants can interfere with a person's sleep, but it's less clear what happens after they stop taking the drug. One of our earliest blog posts from 2012 was written by someone experiencing terrifying nightmares while withdrawing from Cymbalta. The post received a number of comments from other people reporting the same problem. It would be … [Read more...] about Sleep Problems After Stopping Antidepressants?
Night of the Living Cymbalta: B’s Story
I myself had been on and off a long series of antidepressants, but never had really dramatic withdrawal symptoms until I stopped the SNRI inhibitor Cymbalta. It started when I tried to step down from 120 mg per day, back to the standard 60 mg dose. From simply feeling depressed and tired, I shifted into full meltdown mode: crying uncontrollably; unable to concentrate; … [Read more...] about Night of the Living Cymbalta: B’s Story