HOW ANTIDEPRESSANTS AFFECT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

[Guest guest]

How Antidepressants Affect Your Immune System

 

 

Antidepressant drugs may have an effect on the immune system. Drugs

such as Prozac and Zoloft, which belong to a class known as selective

serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or " SSRIs, " work by making the

chemical serotonin remain for longer periods at nerve junctions.

 

New research indicates that serotonin is also a signaling molecule

between immune cells. Dendritic cells pick up serotonin at

inflammation sites and pass it along to T cells. This affects T cell

growth and division into new cells.

 

However, when Prozac was introduced at inflammation sites, it blocked

this type of serotonin uptake.

 

 

 

 

 

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Dr. Mercola's Comment:

 

 

A few months ago, an insightful report in the British Medical

Journal argued brilliantly that antidepressants offer no meaningful

benefit and emotional problems can be better handled without taking a

toxic drug.

 

Now there's another health-harming reason to stay away from them.

Antidepressants like Prozac don't just block serotonin when doing so

would be helpful; they also block it when doing so will cripple your

immune system.

 

This is yet more evidence you should be avoiding antidepressants

altogether, and using safer, healthier options that have nothing at

all to do with taking a pill to treat the true cause of your problem:

 

Take a high-quality fish or cod liver oil. If you haven't read Dr.

Stoll's book on this subject, it is highly recommended. He is an

enlightened Harvard psychiatrist and has written an outstanding book

on the topic.

 

Start an exercise program today, as it clearly is one of the best-

kept secrets for depression.

 

Learn how to use an energy psychology tool like the Emotional Freedom

Technique. Energy psychology tools are one of the most powerful

methods I know of and really are a crucial element of a successful

treatment program.

For serious problems it would be prudent to not treat yourself with

EFT and to contact a health care professional who is trained in the

technique. You can use the list of guidelines and practitioners

compiled by Dr. Patricia Carrington.

 

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