We have been hearing about side effects in anti-depressant medications for a few years now and the research is starting to form, yet another, challenging scenario. Lexipro,(pictured left), the popular brand name of escitalopram and nortriptyline are now the subject of
recently published research. linking the medications to an increase in thoughts of suicide. With pharmaceutical companies in a
hurry to recover their research and development costs and, optimistically speaking, help the public with new discoveries, we are at risk for side effects that do not show up in the initial approval process. My biggest concern is the relative ease with which these medications are casually dispensed by family physicians trying to get relief to their
patients that often seek a quick fix. Ideally, anti-depressants would only be prescribed to accompany a course of talk therapy where side effects such as suicide would stand a better chance of being identified and the patient would have an increased rate of recovery. It's much easier, however, to charge for an office visit and write a script with a few refills. I am not doubting the efficacy of the medicines but I am worried about widespread, improperly monitored use. What about you?
