From: mdkline@rodan.acs.syr.edu (Mark D. Kline)
Subject: Re: post-Prozac reactions
Organization: Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 92 17:52:40 EST

In article <1992Dec21.060550.13975@dragon.acadiau.ca> 880506s@dragon.acadiau.ca (James R. Skinner) writes:
>mdkline@rodan.acs.syr.edu (Mark D. Kline) writes:
>
>>People struggle to find explanations for behaviors and feelings which
>>seem out of character -- e.g., bursts of irritability, lapses in
>>judgment, increased need for reassurance, as well as physical 
>>symptoms -- which arise during periods of stress or in the context of a
>>depressive illness. 
>
>I don't think you understand what some of us are trying to say.  I am not
>an anti-Prozac preson and am not trying to find explanations for feelings
>that were out-of-character.  I am still on Prozac and feel that it is one
>of the best anti-depressants on the market.  But having said that I will
>say that I have had numberous increased hostile feelings while on Prozac.
>Each time I was able to realize that my reactions where abnormal and was
>able to act appropritally.  These feelings occuring many months after Prozac
>had lifted any depression and I was under no due stress.

I think I do understand.  I'm not sure I'm making myself clear.
I am willing to grant that Prozac might induce undesirable very 
disturbing reactions in some people.  I only insist that there is
nothing special about Prozac with regard to psychological ill effects
generally or suicidality/violence particularly...part of my point is
that despite very powerful personal experiences individuals may have,
tracking down cause and effect is very difficult.

Secondary psychological benefits of successful antidepressant treatment
often include changes such as increased assertiveness, decreased passivity,
more outgoing, less risk aversive, etc.  People doing well on antidepressants
often report things like "I asked for a raise", "I just kicked my abusive
SO out of the house," "I just bought myself a topaz ring".  


>>Sometimes people overlook the writing on the wall and round up the
>>usual suspects, so to speak.  "The Prozac made me do it." Well, problem
>>is, many people feel suicidal or homocidal who aren't taking Prozac.
>
>Are you saying that it would be impossible for a drug to cause such
>undesirable side effects?  I have been on other anti-depressants but

No. 

>While I agree that the pros far outway the cons of Prozac, I do think 
>that one should be watched closely for changes in character when on it.

Changes in character are sometimes a good thing.  Sometimes, it takes
some psychological work on the part of the patient to integrate changes
(like increased energy, decreased willingness to be a doormat) in a
constructive way.  I certainly agree that people should be monitored while
taking Prozac (or any antidepressant).

>Why are some people so determined that this is not a possible side effect?
>Prozac is known to often cause insamuna and "jitters", these two things
>alone can lead to one getting pretty uptight if not treated properly.
>(And in the end this may actually be the cause of increased
>hositlity and irritability while on Prozac....)

Its not that it isn't possible.  Its just that prozac is no different,
no worse, than other antidepressants, and in fact, its probably better.
Prozac is not a good medicine.  Its a great medicine.  Its gotten a bum
rap on this suicidality thing, as our lame duck might say.  

================================================================= 
mark kline                              mdkline@rodan.acs.syr.edu
suny health science center, syracuse    voice: (315) 422-1050
================ courtesy of syracuse university ================
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