Product Description

Prozac, Paxil, Zolofit - turn on your television and you are likely to see a commercial for one of the many selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on the market. We hear a lot about them, but do we really understand how these drugs work and what risks are involved for anyone who uses them? "Let Them Eat Prozac" explores the history of SSRIs - from their early development to their latest marketing campaigns - and the controversies that surround them. Initially, they seemed like wonder drugs for those with mild to moderate depression. When Prozac was released in the late 1980s, David Healy was among the psychiatrists who prescribed it. But he soon observed that some of his patients became agitated and even attempted suicide. Could the new wonder drug actually be making patients worse? Healy draws on his own research and expertise to demonstrate the potential hazards associated with these drugs. He intersperses case histories with insider accounts of the research leading to the development and approval of SSRIs as a treatment for depression. "Let Them Eat Prozac" clearly demonstrates that the problems go much deeper than a side-effect of a particular drug. The pharmaceutical industry would like us to believe that SSRIs can safely treat depression, anxiety, and a host of other mental problems. But as "Let Them Eat Prozac" reveals, this "cure" may be worse than the disease.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1090123 in Books
• Published on: 2004-06-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 351 pages

Review
"A compelling story about mystery, deception, death, disappointment, vindication, and uncertainty." - American Psychological Association "Healy confirms his status as one longtime thorn in the side of big drug companies, recounting how he was initially enthusiastic about SSRIs but eventually grew concerned about their side effects." - Psychology Today "Physicians should be aware of Let Them Eat Prozac." - JAMA "Let Them Eat Prozac is a double-pronged exploration, first of the SSRI drugs used to treat depression, and second of the drug industry." - Publishers Weekly "Ultimately, the book is about science, society and the power and misuse of commercial promotion.... His investigation is impressive." - Nature "This very important book will demonstrate beyond your worst dreams that the commercial needs of Big Pharma are the natural-born enemy of independent scientific research." - John Le Carre"

About the Author
David Healy is professor of psychiatry at Cardiff University and a former secretary of the British Association for Psychopharmacology. He is the author of over 120 articles and 12 books, including The Antidepressant Era and The Creation of Psychopharmacology.

Customer Reviews

Excellant review of the research on anti depressants
A marvellous book dealing with the over prescription and lack of reliable research on the SSRI's. Their efficacy is still questionable but side effects can be disasterous for patients. a very brave book, considering the influence the drug business has.

Well researched but essentially a negative viewpoint
This is a well researched book by David Healy but it is, when all is said and done, a negative book with a dubious title. Could it be a little condescending to mentally ill patients or those suffering from depression?

We know that all mental illnesses including depression are difficult to treat and compared to other illnesses research funding is minimal.

The new SSRI anti-depressants were hailed as wonderdrugs when they first came on stream and for some they have proved a lifeline. For others they are at best ineffective or as Dr.Healy points out they can prove very dangerous.

Howeve, what choices do G.P's have when a patient presents as clinically depressed, but to prescribe SSRIs.These unfortunately are one of the only arrows in their archery. It has been shown that cognitive behavioural therapy can be effective in combating depression particularly when used in conjuction with an anti-depressant. However the N.H.S. employ very few psychologists. The waiting time to see one in my area is 9 months! I wonder whether Doctor Healy is actively campaigning for more psychologists in the Health Authority where he is employed? Otherwise, if he has no or little faith in the drugs, what does he actually advocate as treatment for his patients?

Nowadays medical practioners are becoming aware of and taking seriously the benefits of alternative therapies. What are Doctor Healy's views on this? Has he done any research in this field?

This is a very narrow book which holds out no or little hope for sufferers of depressive related illnesses and I can only award it 2*