Posted by ed_uk on December 10, 2004, at 10:24:02
Barbiturates introduced as being non-addictive, .......this was wrong.
Non-barbitutes hypnotics introduced as non-addictive replacements for the barbiturates (eg. Quaalude)... they were addictive.
Meprobamate introduced as a non-addictive anxiolytic, it produced addiction and/or dependence.
Antipsychotics introduced.... they can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Benzodiazepines introduced as non-addictive replacements for earlier anxiolytics and hypnotics. They are capable of producing profound dependence.
TCAs introduced. Reports of withdrawal symptoms quicky appeared (but were generally ignored).
SSRIs introduced, the possibility of dependence was dismissed..... they can cause severe withdrawal symtoms.
Has anyone noticed that the potential severity of withdrawal symptoms is only widely acknowledged when 'replacements' are introduced. In the UK, benzos were widely prescribed for anxiety before being virtually replaced by the SSRIs. Doctors who used to claim that the benzos were completely safe now view them as the devil's drugs.
I've even heard some people say that Cymbalta won't ever produce withdrawal symptoms..... who are they kidding!
Ed.
poster:ed_uk
thread:427180
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041206/msgs/427180.html