View on Antidpressants

[Mishelly]

Chocolate helps to elevate the levels of serotonin in your brain

I feel that it has caused more problems than what it is worth. I am going to pray about this and hope GOD provides an answer soon.

Heated discussion is not causing a problem, that is how life gets worked out. If everyone agreed on everything the world would be boring.

A lighter thought, research has shown that chocolate helps to elevate the levels of serotonin in your brain - my motto - Give me chocolate and not one gets hurt :laugh:

Wait, I got lost in thought, How much deeper would the ocean be with out sponges :tongue3:

I am not trying to make light of a serious disease, humor helps me get through the day raying:

You are in my prayers and I hope you find the answers you need, time does heal :saint:

 

[Ed Edwards]

If you have a medical license then you can diagnose and prescribe treatment, if you do not it is illegal to tell people what meds they need or don't need.

Amen, Sister DonnA -- you are so RIGHT ON! :thumbs:

What irritates me more is that some such people thing
they take the MORAL HIGHGROUND when, in fact,
they are practicing a moral morass: extreme judgmentalism
and unbounded pharise-ism :tear:


Isaiah 26:3 (NIV = New International Version )
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.

The Holman Christian Standard Bible
Isaiah 26:3 (HCSB = Christian Standard Bible /Holmon, 2003/ ):
ou will keep in perfect peace
the mind [that is] dependent [on You],
for it is trusting in You.

Isa 26:3 (KJV1611 Edition):
Thou wilt keepe him in +perfect peace,
whose ||minde is stayed on thee;
because he trusteth in thee.

Margin notes:
+ Hebr. peace, peace.
|| Or, thought, or imigination

Strange, no talking in the Scriptures
about a prohibition concerning the
setting of broken bones or broken mind functions.

The part that is translated "perfect peace" is translated from
the Hebrew phrase "Shalom, shalom" that is literally
'peace, peace'.

-Ed, another Christian Praising Messiah Yeshua daily
for the past four years for His Mind Healing Touch via SSRIs.

-Ed, another Christian Praising Christ Jesus daily
for the past 54 years for His Soul Healing Touch via
Eternal/Never Ending Salvation.

 

[James_Newman]

You would have to be on dope to confuse giving advice with practicing medicine.

 

[bapmom]

actually Donna, I agree with James on that last part. Its not illegal to simply say its better to not take drugs. UNLESS the person is claiming to be a doctor and giving out medical advice as an expert, THATS not ok.

Now you can be held culpable in a civil court of law if a person harms himself because you told him he shouldn't take his psychiatric meds. But its not illegal for people to express this opinion here in this forum.

 

[James_Newman]

Thank you, bapmom, for having some common sense. And now I'm going to go off the deep end.

Amen, Sister DonnA -- you are so RIGHT ON! :thumbs:

What irritates me more is that some such people thing
they take the MORAL HIGHGROUND when, in fact,
they are practicing a moral morass: extreme judgmentalism
and unbounded pharise-ism :tear:

This is the same type of rhetoric that I hear from defenders of homosexuality. They say "I'm born this way, and anyone who says I'm not is a biggot! Judge not lest ye be judged!" You say "I have a brain disease and any one who says I don't is a pharisee! Judge not lest ye be judged!" Now before anyone puts words into my mouth for me, I never once said taking antidepressants was akin to being a homosexual. I'm only saying that people who have made the decision to go on antidepressants find themselves defending their decision with emotional arguments when logic fails.

 

[Brother Bob]

Sure glad its ok to take heart medication. I have had two bypass heart surgeries and 2 neck artery surgeries and would of been dead already without the medication. Matter of fact the doctors say I am a walking miracle and I agree and guess who made me that. :thumbs: My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

[Charles Meadows]

"I have a brain disease and any one who says I don't is a pharisee!

But James there is a big difference here. The Bible is clear that homosexual activity is a sin. Antidepressant use when given judiciously in a person with real depression is not a sin. There is no biblical justification for seeing antidepressant use as sinful. Those with depression could certainly live without antidepressants - just as those with chronic headaches could live without Tylenol or Advil. But there is nothing wrong with taking either appropriately.

Contrary to certain uneducated beliefs antidepressants are not habit forming.

 

[James_Newman]

Contrary to certain uneducated beliefs antidepressants are not habit forming.

I saw firsthand what happened to my wife when she decided to quit taking her Zoloft.

While the pharmaceutical and medical world has been appallingly slow to address antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, anecdotal reports from patients have been plentiful. Typically, withdrawal symptoms emerge within 24 to 72 hours of discontinuation and may persist from 1 - 2 weeks or longer. Physical symptoms include sensory disturbances including shock-like electrical sensations (“brain shivers” or “brain zaps”), problems with balance, gastrointestinal and flu-like symptoms, and sensory and sleep disturbances. Psychological symptoms include anxiety and/or agitation, crying spells, and irritability. Indeed, withdrawal can be so challenging that many individuals feel they can’t finish the process, and decide they have no alternative but to continue taking a medication that they would rather stop. In a technical sense, antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are different from the classic withdrawal syndromes associated with addicting drugs. Unlike substances like narcotics, benzodiazipine medications etc., antidepressants do not cause addiction, but instead are "habit-forming" and cause “dependence”. While this may seem irrelevant to an individual experiencing discontinuation side effects, it is an important distinction that separates antidepressants from other drugs that cause users to crave them and to seek higher and higher doses over time.

Search google for antidepressant withdrawal and you will find tons of information. It isn't pretty. Most people that are put on antidepressants will never come off.

 

[Hope of Glory]

Also, while there are some people who have a real problem that needs medical attention, there are rarely tests given to determine if this is true. They are just automatically prescribed this medication.

It's like Ritalin. A very few kids cannot get by without it. Yet, many children are prescribed it.

I think they're both part of the same problem.

 

[webdog]

Taking drugs for depression is not putting faith in Christ.

...then neither is wearing glasses for the visually impaired. Quit being a hypocrite and throw them out.

 

[Mishelly]

National Institue of Mental Health

Several parts of the brain are key actors in a highly dynamic interplay that gives rise to fear and anxiety.14 Using brain imaging technologies and neurochemical techniques, scientists are finding that a network of interacting structures is responsible for these emotions. Much research centers on the amygdala, an almond-shaped structure deep within the brain. The amygdala is believed to serve as a communications hub between the parts of the brain that process incoming sensory signals and the parts that interpret them. It can signal that a threat is present, and trigger a fear response or anxiety. It appears that emotional memories stored in the central part of the amygdala may play a role in disorders involving very distinct fears, like phobias, while different parts may be involved in other forms of anxiety.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxiety.cfm#anx8
*******************************
Major depressive disorder is often associated with changes in brain structures or brain function.
*************************************
The first step to getting appropriate treatment for depression is a physical examination by a physician... If a physical cause for the depression is ruled out, a psychological evaluation should be done, by the physician or by referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist.
***************************************
Antidepressant drugs are not habit-forming. However, as is the case with any type of medication prescribed for more than a few days, antidepressants have to be carefully monitored to see if the correct dosage is being given. The doctor will check the dosage and its effectiveness regularly.
**************************
The study participants who responded positively were followed for an additional 18 weeks. At the end of the first phase of the study, participants were measured on two scales, one for depression and one for overall functioning. There was no significant difference in rate of response for depression, but the scale for overall functioning was better for the antidepressant than for either St. John's wort or placebo. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm#ptdep4
National Institute of Mental Health

You said in an earlier message "
Doctors wanted to give me Paxil when I was put in the wheelchair, they said I would get depressed. I refused the Paxil. They wanted to put me on Paxil again the last fainting spell I had, I again refused."

You should have refused because it should never be prescribed on the 'possibility' of becoming depressed. That is abuse and why medicines and Doctors get a bad name.

I applaud you on keeping yourself balanced and I pray others can without drugs. You know my viewpoint, drugs with guidance are helpful in SOME cases.

God Bless :Fish:

 

[IronWill]

What is everyone's view on antidepressants?

I was prescribed them for a time. After taking them, I was literally unable to do anything, because I was so dead tired. They literally wiped me out. When they say "may make you drowsy," they really mean it! I tried shaving while on anti-depressants...and I cut my face up. I couldn't do it. For some people, they work...for me, they didn't, I had to work through and pray through my problems.

 

[Shell]

I saw firsthand what happened to my wife when she decided to quit taking her Zoloft.



Search google for antidepressant withdrawal and you will find tons of information. It isn't pretty. Most people that are put on antidepressants will never come off.

Which exactly what I don't want- I DO NOT want to be antidepressants for the rest of my life. I feel torn about taking the advice of my pastor and what may or may not be good for me(taking the meds)

 

[Brother Bob]

Seems to me that it is your decision and yours alone. I had to make a decision for heart surgery, no one else could make it for me. There are some things in this life you have to way the balances and see what is best for you. All we can do is give you our experiences and some have been one way of which I respect their veiws and if they can get through this life without meds then I pray that God will help them, for the rest of us we have to have medication, or our heart will no doubt burst. So this life is short and make the decision that will best suit you and you alone, not us, not your husband or family but you. May God Bless,raying:

 

[Charles Meadows]

Search google for antidepressant withdrawal and you will find tons of information. It isn't pretty. Most people that are put on antidepressants will never come off.

Patients on antidepressants should not stop them cold turkey - that is for sure. But they are not habit forming or euphoria-inducing the way narcotics or benzodiazepines are.

You are right that Christians should seek God's help first and foremost in all things, especially with issues of emotional well-being. And many people are put on antidepressants when what they really need is God's direction in their lives.

But there are those people, who despite a right relationship with God, battle with depression. For those individuals there is nothing wrong with trying antidepressants under the supervision of a physician with whom the person feels comfortable.

And I should add that I am a physician and I have personally seen thousands of patients on antidepressants. When used correctly they can greatly improve the quality of life.

 

[Ed Edwards]

Amen, Brother Bob. Will you join me praying for Bro. Shell?

Does anybody know where I got the data that some 18 Million
Americans have to take a Malox-like chemical for their stomach
THE REST OF THEIR LIVES? That is a lot (6%) of the population.
Yet there is no stigma attached (nobody is condemning
people who take Malox to eternal hell /or Millinnial Hell, or
pergatory, or whatever/ ) Maybe my data is 6-8 years old?

Thank you, Brother Doctor Meadows, your insights are always
valuable!!

 

[Brother Bob]

Be more than glad to join you Ed. Not sure if its a Brother or Sister though.

 

[James_Newman]

1 Corinthians 6:12
12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

 

[Brother Bob]

James;
I know you are trying to help but please don't make it out to be a sin. Have you ever had your skin crawl. Have you ever been in a store and have to run out to get away from people for you can't stand it anymore. Have you ever been in such a shape you can't stand yourself, your family or anyone else. If not then please back off and let him/her work it out between them and God and doctor. If you want Scripture why not take where Jesus said those that are sick need a physician? Sounds like you had a bad experience because of your wife and I can sympathize with that but all cases are not the same. Have you watched the news and saw where some would not even let their children have blood transfusions because of beliefs. Who do you think give us the knowledge we have? I see where you are a computer doctor then please stick with it.

 

[menageriekeeper]

While there aren't any specific verses warning us about "mind altering substances" there are a few verses from which we can make inferences on how such should be used. (Just as StandingFirm and others make the inference that these should not be used because of verses about spiritual peace, I counter with verses that come much closer to describing physical healing) Bolding is mine:


Ps 104:14
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, And herb for the service of man; That he may bring forth food out of the earth,Ps 104:15And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, [And] oil to make his face to shine, And bread that strengtheneth man`s heart.


Pr 31:6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:

1ti 5:23Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach`s sake and thine often infirmities


Wine to make glad? Bread for strength? These verses aren't talking about spiritual things, but physical. Notice that these verses have positive connotations about the use of products that provide strength and gladness.

Bitter of soul? That is a legitimate use of wine and I doubt anyone could argue that the use in Proverbs is any other than for altering ones mood.

Now Paul doesn't say what Timothy's "other imfirmities" might have been, but here he is advising the use of a product that is/could be "mind altering".

God gave us all brains for a reason. He gave us the Bible to provide instructions on spiritual healing. From the lack of instruction on physical healing it stands to reason that He expected us to use those brains he provided us with.

Shell, tend to your soul first. If you have confessed your sins and asked for salvation through Jesus Christ, then you have tended your soul. If you are certain you do not have continuous aggrevious sin going on in your life, then it is time to tend to your body. (see Galations 5:9 for a good list of aggrevious sin. Sin can most certainly cause sickness)

What some here fail to realize is that there is a difference between one's soul and one's mind. One's mind is physically based and as such is able get sick/deteriorate just like any other part of the body.

Let me explain things a little differently. My grandfather in law suffers from Alzheimer's. He is at this moment in the last stages of this disease. This is a mind altering disease. At this moment Papa is no longer the same man he was just 10 years ago. Why? Because his brain has deteriorated to the point to where it is unable to make connections between the various parts of his memory. He no longer recognizes his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He no longer has control over his emotions or his bodily functions. He is paranoid and hallucinates. His reality isn't ours. What is the cause of all this? A breakdown of brain function. Just as depression is a breakdown of brain function. Papa's soul is still the same, but because his brain is sick he can no longer access his soul, because one must have a mind for understanding. Thank God that He will one day give us new bodies that will never deteriorate!

Now those who say that there is no conclusive proof of chemical imbalances, etc, are forgetting one thing: It is extremely hard to study the brain tissue of a living human being! Such often results in death. So doctors formulate theories about what might help and if it does then they formulate a theory of why it helped. As they can they test their theories with CT scans and MRI's and EEG's and such and they hope that future technology will help them understand more(without killing off their patients).

As for the debate that you get here, don't worry about it. This isn't the first time we've debated this subject and it probably won't be the last. Do not feel as though you have started an arguement. This is a Baptist forum you know. We like to argue!:smilewinkgrin: