Q: THINK OF A DIFFICULT TIME IN YOUR LIFE. IF FACED WITH A
SIMILARSITUATION, WOULD YOU CONSIDER TAKING PROZAC?
Prozac is so controversial, and there seems to be so much good and
bad news about it, that I would want to do a lot of reading and research
before taking it. Personally, I'd rather get through a problem on my
own-without medication.
Karen Fleece
Administrative Assistant
Davis, Wright & Tremaine
Anchorage, Alaska
I support the use of Prozac and other effective medications when
one has a diagnosed inability to cope with life due to depression or
anxiety. Symptoms are expressions of changes in brain chemicals and
Prozac and other drugs have a proven abilitv to correct these changes.
All medicines, however, can have side effects so those who take
medications should report to their doctors frequently.
Taking a medication like Prozac does not indicate weakness or a
lack of will. And if I were to develop serious symptoms of depression and
or anxiety, I would not hesitate to take Prozac or anv other
appropriately prescribed medication, for that matter.
Denise Edgecombe Holland,
MD Medical Director,
Out-patient services
St. Elizabeth Hospital
Washington D. C.
No. Because there are better ways to deal with problems and Prozac
has too many bad side effects.
Steve Mocquin
Corpsman, United States Navy
Ocala, FL
Yes. I would consider taking Prozac to get help but I don't know
exactly what it does.
Chris Patrick
Stereo Sales Representative,
C.A.S., Inc.
Burlington, MA
As a practicing psychiatrist who has done a number of clinical drug
studies on new antidepressant medications, my answer might suprise vou:
No! While I feel that Prozac (and its cousins Paxil and Zoloft) are
excellent medications for the treatment of clinical depression--a serious
potentially incapacitating, and even fatal illness-I do not feel that
this type of medication should be used to help people handle "difficult
situations." Taking medication is no substitute for learning effective
coping strategies to deal with not only current, but future situations.
Self-help bools and techniques, and, if necessary, consultation with a
behavioral/cognitive/interpersonal therapist Would seem a much more
appropriate alternative to dealing with life stressors.
If symptoms of depression occur, are serious, and last more than
two weeks, then I think medications like Prozac might be
appropriate.
Harry Croft, M.D.,
F.A.P.A. Diplomate,
American Board of Psychiatry
San Antonio, TX
I would consider taking Prozac because I always consider all my
options when dealing with a problem. In the long run, however, I would
not take Prozac because I prefer to handle mv problems by working through
them without medication.
John Connelly,
Gallery Assistant
New York, NY
Yes. I'd consider taking Prozac because I've heard it works well
for some people and I'd be willing to see if it worked for me.
Kate Kristensen
Real Estate Agent,
Lexington Properties Unlimited
Lexington, MA
I don't think I would take Prozac because I Would rather use
therapy and introspection. I deal with the world in a positive way so I
can't imagine a situation where I would need to take it.
Laiko Bahrs
Marketing Consultant
San Francisco, CA
Yes. I think it's a great drug if it is used properly.
Sharon Marteson
Physician's Assistant
Jacksonville, NC
Under no circumstances whatsoever would I take Prozac during a time
of stress. That's what friends and psychotherapy are for.
Steven O. Philippi
Driver, United Parcel Service
Valley Stream, NY
ILLUSTRATION
Tags:
advice,
antidepressant medications,
anxiety symptoms,
brain chemicals,
depression,
medical director,
medication,
new antidepressant,
prozac,
survey,
symptoms of depression
