In Practice

A Practicing Doctor's Views on Psychiatry and Contemporary Culture.

Peter D. Kramer is a psychiatrist and author. His books include Against Depression and Listening to Prozac. See full bio

February 2, 2009, Depression

Comments on "Lexapro and Zoloft in a Cloud of Dust"

Lexapro and Zoloft in a Cloud of Dust

By Peter D. Kramer on February 2, 2009 in In Practice

Is one antidepressant more effective than another? A new summary of "horse race" studies favors Zoloft and Lexapro -- but the real winner is . . . Read More

Brain growth?

Submitted by david Petropoulos on February 2, 2009 - 5:07pm.

I also thought i heard somewhere that it's hard to overdose on the new drugs (from you?) -Peter, have you ever heard the song WOMEN IN CHAINS by TEARS FOR FEARS , great song from the 80s , give it a listen. A female sympathy song which indirectly/unknowingly refers to depression.- Glad you mentioned again MOMENTS OF ENGAGEMENT such an enjoyable book,and of course not an easy read. I am pretty sure my brain grows after one of your books. Sincerely,David

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Submitted by david Petropoulos on February 2, 2009 - 8:28pm.

Correction: Woman in chains

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What They Don't Tell You...

Submitted by SteveM on February 3, 2009 - 8:04am.

What the wizened advocates of toxic psycho-pharmacology don't tell you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeq4gSfMXdo

Wink Wink

Submitted by david Petropoulos on February 3, 2009 - 1:35pm.

Then take nothing and be symptom free with Depression!- Did that old Gordon fellow influence you. Sincerely-David

Linked To Your Post

Submitted by dinah on February 16, 2009 - 4:22pm.

Hi, Peter. I enjoyed your post so much that I borrowed the concept and linked to it on Shrink Rap.
http://psychiatrist-blog.blogspot.com/2009/02/ssri-horse-race-take-our-m...
Hope this finds you well,
Dinah

David, Why is this an either

Submitted by AA on February 17, 2009 - 12:13pm.

David,

Why is this an either or situation? I am slowly tapering off of antidepressants and feel better than I ever did on them. My psychiatrist was one who thought I needed to be on them for life.

Also, when the cure is worse than the disease (I had numerous side effects including a hearing loss), that doesn't do much for the depression.

Fish Oil Capsules with high EPA and vitamin D are some non drug remedies. I am not saying that will work for everyone but to imply that drugs are the only thing that treats depression is simply not accurate.

Back on topic - One of the frustrating things when studies like this are posted is they aren't accessible unless you are willing to pay for access. As a result, it puts people like me at a disadvantage.

I am not saying I would be able to offer a great analysis but at least I want to be able to see what people like Dr. Kramer are referring to.

I do have some questions and forgive me if this has been covered. What was the success rate for the ADs considered to be the most successful? How was that determined and how long had people been on these meds?

I think length of time is very important because I will grant you that initially, someone may have a robust response. But over time, that will diminish to the point of poop out. And it has nothing to do with the person's depression worsening as it is the brain figuring out it is out of balance because of the drug and fighting to regain homeostasis.