Description
Roughly 28 million Americans — one in every ten — have taken Prozac, Zoloft, or Paxil or a similar antidepressant, yet very few patients are aware of the dangers of these drugs, nor are they aware that better, safer alternatives exist. Now Harvard Medical School’s Dr. Joseph Glenmullen documents the ominous long-term side effects associated with these and other serotonin-boosting medications. These side effects include neurological disorders, such as disfiguring facial and whole-body tics that can indicate brain damage; sexual dysfunction in up to 60 percent of users; debilitating withdrawal symptoms, including visual hallucinations, electric shock-like sensations in the brain, dizziness, nausea, and anxiety; and a decrease of antidepressant effectiveness in about 35 percent of long-term users. In addition, Dr. Glenmullen’s research and riveting case studies shed shocking new light on the direct link between these drugs and suicide and violence. Written by a doctor with impeccable credentials, Prozac Backlash is filled with compelling, sometimes heartrending stories and is thoroughly documented with extensive scientific sources. It is both provocative and hopeful, a sound, reliable guide to the safe treatment of depression and other psychiatric problems. CONTENTS Introduction: The Prozac Phenomenon PART I. The Dangers of Prozac-Type Antidepressants 1. The Awakened Giant’s Wrath: Risking Brain Damage 2. Held Hostage: Withdrawal, Dependence, and Wearing Off 3. Not Tonight, Dear — I’m on Prozac: Sexual Dysfunction 4. Bones Rattling Like Tuning Forks: Startling New Information on Suicide and Violence PART II. Balancing Medications with Alternative Approaches 5. Behind-the-Scenes Forces: Understanding the Prozac Phenomenon 6. Unraveling Depression: Stifled Anger and Sadness 7. Surmounting Anxiety: Training for Elevators, a Patient’s Story 8. Conquering Addictions: Substance Abuse, Sexual Addictions, and Eating Disorders Epilogue: Effecting Personal Change Notes Index
