Big Pharma plays with fire, and we all get burned
With a recent spate of tragic violent attacks, it's a question we've struggled with since the tragedy at Columbine: What's making young people today so violent and angry?
According to the makers of antidepressants it's that they STOP taking their meds abruptly.
Yes, that's the problem. It's getting OFF the drugs that's causing all that violence and rage. Don't get me wrong. There are many drugs that require a slow, doctor- supervised withdrawal. But what I can't forget are all of those hidden side effects that we don't hear about. You know, the same ones that the drug companies discover—and just as quickly cover up—during their drug trials. So should we just trust them that it's not simply the drugs themselves causing these horrible scenes?
One of my oft-repeated dictums is that with newer drugs, we just don't yet know all of the possible side effects. And we certainly don't know what they are when the makers of these pharmaceuticals hide the facts.
Just last week, I told you about Paxil. The company that makes it, GlaxoSmithKline, has known for well over a decade that their antidepressant increases suicidal thoughts and attempts. That's just one unreported side effect that reared its hidden head.
Of course, depression can't be overlooked as an explanation for killing rampages and other crimes. People who suffer from depression already deal with societal prejudice against misunderstood psychiatric disorders. The last thing any of us would want is to have sick people not seek the treatment they need, either out of fear of being cast out or a distrust of the drugs that they're given.
While it will take time to change public opinion about depression, one thing that needs to be done immediately is holding drug companies accountable. By burying critical data about their drugs, or looking to cast blame solely on withdrawals, they are doing a disservice to the millions of patients who need treatment—and should be held accountable. I vote for a lethal shot to their wallet, where it'll really hurt.
We must all think twice about a drug that is designed to bring a person's mood up, which when stopped can lead to extreme violence or suicide.
The best recommendation I can make if you're on antidepressants—or any medication—and you'd like to stop taking them: Work closely with your doctor. I'm all for any patient who wants to get off their medications. But for some patients, that may not be an option. In that case, ask your doctor if there are smart lifestyle changes you can make that will help you to at least reduce your dosage.
