Posted by Cam W. on August 14, 2000, at 20:36:05
In reply to SSRI's Brain Damage? » Ali, posted by Kath on August 14, 2000, at 16:28:33
Kath - I have not heard or read anything that suggests that SSRIs cause brain damage. Neither have I heard that other currently available antidepressant have caused brain damage.
The only thing that I have heard (at a presentation) was that since the introduction of effective antidepressants (esp. MAOIs and TCAs) may be implicated in the increased incidence of bipolar disorder since the Second World War. I have been unable to find any corroborating evidence of this. I believe that the presenter was thinking out loud when he said this.
When someone says that a drug may cause a certain effect over the long term, they should provide evidence to support their theory. SSRIs have been on the market for about 20 years. So far there have been no indications of SSRIs causing any sort of brain damage.
There is a longitudinal (ie long term) study that is ongoing that is studying the children of moms who took Prozac while they were pregnant. The first of these are now in their 20s and, so far, these kids have not displayed anymore mental disorders than would be expected by chance. It seems to me that if an SSRI were to do any damage to a brain, it would more likely occur when that brain is developing. We have not seen this.
TCAs and MAOIs have been around longer. These antidepressants have far more potentially harmful side effects. Still, there have been no long term brain damage seen when these medications were taken appropriately.
The above is my take on the situation. I could be wrong, but for the most part, I think my statements are accurate and verifiable.
Also, "Prozac Backlash" has drawn criticism from all corners of the psychiatric community.
Hope this helps - Cam.
poster:Cam W.
thread:42806
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000811/msgs/42894.html