Because of its abilities to treat symptoms of depression with lesser side effects, the introduction of Zoloft and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) met a warm welcome in the 1990s. In 2007, about 30 million Americans received the Zoloft (Sertraline) prescription for the treatment of major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and other related conditions. The life-limiting consequences of depression made SSRIs a lifesaving option.
Zoloft, manufactured by Pfizer, and other SSRIs have been linked by several studies to the increase risk of birth defects among infants whose mothers took the antidepressant drug during their pregnancy over the last 10 years. Users of this drug have tried to contact a Zoloft birth defects lawyer to try to recover compensation for the defects this drug allegedly cause. Yet, these studies cannot discount the success of Zoloft since its introduction which means Zoloft and other SSRIs are indeed successful at treating depression but not during pregnancy.
The marketing tactics employed by big pharmaceuticals to sell their antidepressant pills to both prescribers and consumers further confuse the issue surrounding SSRIs. “Are antidepressant medications really effective or are they no better than placebos?” is a question that comes to mind with the way pharmaceuticals play out their roles.
In a book by Irving Kirsch titled The Emperor’s New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth, drug companies must submit to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) all clinical trials they have sponsored in seeking approval to market a new drug. Double-blind and placebo-controlled are what these trials generally are. Two trials showing that the drug is effective than the placebo would merit approval. Several trials sponsored by companies could have negative results which mean the drug is not effective. All they need is two positive ones.
There could be more negative results than just the two positive ones needed for approval among the many trials, but Kirsch said drug companies are not required to publish or make known the negative results.Meta-analyses of antidepressant medications have reported only modest benefits over placebo treatment, and when unpublished trial data are included, the benefit falls below accepted criteria for clinical significance.
People should realize that psychoactive drugs should not be taken as the best and often the only treatment for mental illness or emotional distress.{Both psychotherapy and exercise have been shown to be as effective as drugs for depression and their effects are longer-lasting, but unfortunately, there is no industry to push these alternatives. Alternatives such as psychotherapy and exercise have shown to be as effective as antidepressants and even have longer-lasting effect, however, both are not being pushed by industries.
It is not the best pill but a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or other trained professional who will listen and then hear and respond to a patient’s unique story, which is the most important in mental health.