The FDA warned that Paxil may cause heart defects in the children of moms who take it early in pregnancy.? (The precise reason that I like to use non-drug methods as first-line therapy for depression)? The news release from the FDA website is ample reason for limiting the use of "the latest" medication until much more rigorous testing is completed.? I especially question the wisdom of patients and doctors opting for chemical approaches when natural treatment can be effective in more than 50% of the cases.
FROM THE FDA WARNING http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2005/NEW01270.html:?
The Food and Drug Administration today is alerting health care professionals and patients about early results of new studies for Paxil (paroxetine) suggesting that the drug increases the risk for birth defects, particularly heart defects, when women take it during the first three months of pregnancy.? Paxil is approved for the treatment of depression and several other psychiatric disorders.? FDA is currently gathering additional data and waiting for the final results of the recent studies in order to better understand the higher risk for birth defects that has been seen with Paxil.
Our tool for evaluation of depression is a great place to start.? You can follow up with natural treatment recommended by your doctor or with the Better Body Brighter Mind System (www.betterbodybrightermind.com).? Some simple tools for depression include:
Nutritional Support
- Protein with every meal stabilizes blood sugar
- Artificial sweeteners
- Fish Oil (Omega-3) DHA and EPA 6-10 grams per day
- Sublingual or injection methyl B12
- St. John?s Wort 900 -1200 mg./day
- SamE 800-1600 mg./day
- 5-HTP (converts to L-tryptophan)
- Multivitamin
Exercise and dietary restriction of sugar and processed foods alone may make the difference.? No matter which course you choose make sure you're working with a doctor who understands the value of non-drug treatment options.? They really do work.? If you have questions about whether or not you may be depressed, try the free depression assessment tool at http://www.centeru.com/tools/depression/depression.php.
