Is depression a Prozac deficiency?

February 16, 2009

I picked up Dr. Christiane Northrup's book, The Wisdom of Menopause, at

the library a few days ago.

As I had heard so much bad stuff about antidepressants I was reading

that section of the book.

She talks about antidepressants not being a cure. To quote her from Pg 326:

" All too often antidepressants are given in a vacuum, as though

depression were just a 'Prozac Deficiency'. But depression is not a

simple chemical disorder that lands on you when you least expect it. "

When I saw a sleep specialist about a year ago he immediately wanted to

put me on an antidepression medication. Guess what one of the major side

effects of these drugs is? If you guessed depression you would be

correct. I refused and also refused another steroid drug he wanted to

prescribe.

I did get a prescription for Lunesta that he wanted me to take for at

least 6 months. After two weeks of taking it I felt like I hadn't slept

for a month AND it was not keeping me asleep like the ads say. Needless

to say, I stopped it right then and there without asking his permission.

I could be wrong but my feeling is that he would have said to keep

taking it. The side effect would go away.

My internist said this strong feeling of lack of quality sleep is a

common side effect of Lunesta. I really wondered why the FDA had

approved something that might not help and could actually be quite

harmful in terms of quality sleep.

I have chosen not to return to the sleep specialists office.

Be willing to say No to your doctor if what is ordered is causing more

problems than what it is supposed to solve or even if you are not sure

you want to take it at all. You can ask what other options are

available. If they are not even willing to discuss it with you, maybe it

is time to seek a different doctor.

Many doctors also don't seem to be aware of the list of possible side

effects of the drugs they order or deny that what you are experiencing

is a side effect even if it is listed by the drug manufacturer.

We are responsible for our own bodies. So take that responsibility and

be your own best advocate.

Mary Nelson

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