Thinking of Starting an Antidepressant?

Dr. Shipko's Informed Consent for SSRI Antidepressants

"Dr. Shipko's Informed Consent for SSRI Antidepressants" is written by MIA Blogger and psychiatrist Stuart Shipko, MD. He says, "I am writing this eBook to share the key information that I discuss with patients in consultation before starting or stopping a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. 'Informed Consent' is not intended to be a comprehensive book about these drugs, rather, it duplicates the information that I typically provide to my patients when I see them in consultation. If you are contemplating starting or stopping an SSRI antidepressant, then you will find this information helpful."
(from Amazon)

When doctors say this... ask this.

Compiled by Bobby Fiddaman, Author, blogger, researcher. http://fiddaman.blogspot.com.

The doctor will either stutter, stare into space or tell you to stop reading the Internet conspiracies.

• "Antidepressants help many people." - How many? How do they help them? Describe, in detail, how they act on the brain and, furthermore, how that action helps 'lift' depression, anxiety etc.
• "After overcoming depression some find coming off antidepressants quite difficult." - Some? How many exactly, what are the figures? In any event, how does one know one has overcome 'depression' if the antidepressants are designed to make consumers feel like they aren't depressed?
• "When trying to stop you may find your depression returns." - How do they know this, how do they know whether it's a return of the depression or whether it's a side effect of withdrawal?
• "If you've had one episode of depression it's best to stay on your antidepressants for six months to a year after you feel better." - Antidepressants are supposed to treat depression not prevent it. Should I take paracetamol even though I don't have a headache?
• "Most people don't have troublesome side effects when coming off antidepressants, but some do."- Figures, what are the figures? Is this statement based on 8-12 week clinical trials or is it based on the post-marketing surveillance of these drugs?
• "Most people said that their symptoms lasted up to six weeks." - Define most. What are the figures?
• "Ask your friends and family for support and maybe take some time off work." - Those same friends and family will not know anything about drug withdrawal - yes, they may spot signs of suicidality but won't make the connection that it could be the drug causing the suicidal feelings - they will assume, just as many doctors do, that it's the 'underlying illness'.
• "Reduce your dose slowly, this helps to reduce symptoms." - Symptoms of what? How slowly. Where's the guidance here?
• "Keep a diary of your symptoms and doses." - Have you ever tried writing when going through severe withdrawal? I could barely lift a pen, let alone write.
• "Be prepared to stop the reduction or increase the dose as necessary." - Why? Is this due to the drug causing the symptoms or a return of the illness?

Turn the tables folks. Your Dr has a duty to inform you.