Posted on 08/14/2003 4:40:59 AM PDT by Wolfie
Sarafem (Prozac) - Manufactured by Eli Lilly
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is an unofficial "mental disorder." Unlike the recent Eli Lilly advertisements, a women must experience five or more symptoms before the diagnosis can be made.
Eli Lilly is trying so hard to come up with another drug winner to replace Prozac in August 2001, when their patent on Prozac expires, they are exhibiting obsessive-compulsive-disorder in their efforts!
PMDD symptoms are: Markedly depressed mood Marked anxiety Marked affectivity Decreased interest in activities Feeling sad, hopeless or self-deprecating Feeling tense, anxious or "on edge" Persistent irritability, anger and increased interpersonal conflicts Feeling fatigued, lethargic or lacking in energy Marked changes in appetite A subjective feeling of being overwhelmed or out of control Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, swelling or bloating If you are thinking of taking Sarafem for PMS - PMDD, please read what side effects are associated with this medication and then decide if it is worth it or not. New labeling for Sarafem ordered by the FDA For Sarafem labeling - Female Sexual Dysfunction with SSRIs—Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of a mood-related disorder, they may also be a consequence of pharmacologic treatment. In particular, some evidence suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause such untoward sexual experiences. Reliable estimates of the incidence and severity of untoward experiences involving sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction are difficult to obtain, however, in part because patients and physicians may be reluctant to discuss them. Accordingly, estimates of the incidence of untoward sexual experience and performance cited in product labeling, are likely to underestimate their actual incidence. For example, in women (age 18-45) receiving fluoxetine for indications other than PMDD, decreased libido was seen at an incidence of 4% for fluoxetine compared to 1% for placebo. There have been spontaneous reports in women (age 18-45) taking fluoxetine for indications other than PMDD of orgasmic dysfunction, including anorgasmia.
Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction with SSRIs--Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of a psychiatric disorder, they may also be a consequence of pharmacologic treatment. In particular, some evidence suggests that SSRIs can cause such untoward sexual experiences. Reliable estimates of the incidence and severity of untoward experiences involving sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction are difficult to obtain, however, in part because patients and physicians may be reluctant to discuss them. Accordingly, estimates of the incidence of untoward sexual experience and performance, cited in product labeling, are likely to underestimate their actual incidence. In patients enrolled in US depression, OCD, and bulimia placebo-controlled clinical trials, decreased libido was the only sexual side effect reported by at least 2% of patients taking fluoxetine (4% fluoxetine, < 1% placebo). There have been spontaneous reports in women taking fluoxetine of orgasmic dysfunction, including anorgasmia. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies examining sexual dysfunction with fluoxetine treatment. Priapism has been reported with all SSRIs.While it is difficult to know the precise risk of sexual dysfunction associated with the use of SSRIs, physicians should routinely inquire about such possible side effects.
November 3, 1999 the FDA met with representatives of Eli Lilly to discuss and vote on the approval of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride (Prozac) for the use in treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. (PMDD)
Mental health experts want the public to know that new marketing does not a new drug make. They are especially concerned over the remarketing of Prozac as Sarafem, frequently advertised as a new treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Several Denver psychiatrists, including Dr. Joanne Ritvo, say the ads don't make it clear that Sarafem and Prozac are the exact same drug, fluoxetine (it's chemical name.)
"I presume the company felt like it could get past the stigma, the bad wrap that Prozac has had over the years, by calling it a different name. But some women will say, 'what do you mean I'm taking Prozac, I didn't want to be taking Prozac!, says Dr. Ritvo, who treats a fair number of women suffering from PMDD. Ritvo's concerns parallel those of other mental health professionals interviewed by phone:
1. Women may not realize they're indeed taking an antidepressant, and need to stay away from alcohol and other medications with harmful interactions.
2. Since very few referrals for counseling/psychotherapy are made these days, the drug will be prescribed mainly by non-mental health professionals. Studies show the average interview for mental illness in a non-specialist's office is about 3 minutes, according to Dr. Ritvo. Without a thorough history and physical and a lengthy family history of mental illness, serious predisposition to mental illness like manic depression (bipolar disorder) may be missed. In those patients Prozac/Sarafem/fluoxetine can actually trigger manic depression!
3. Patients will get pills, but not counseling. Once they're off the medication, the problems will likely return. Scientific literature is abounding with evidence that pills without counseling is not very successful, short term or long term.
4. The direct advertising campaign sparks patients to diagnose themselves, then pressure their doctors for the drugs. Dr. Ritvo says it is obviously a very successful approach for the drug companies, but she worries about misdiagnoses leading to further illness in those circumstances.
5. The overall tenor of the TV advertising that comes across as promoting a simple pill to 'cure' a very complicated problem.
6. The drug is the longest-acting antidepressant, staying in the body for 7 to 9 days. That means if a patient is over-stimulated by it, doctors have great difficulty reversing the effect. When prescribed correctly to the appropriate patient, Ritvo says the drug can go a long ways in treating legitimate depression, some anxiety disorders and indeed some cases of PMDD. She urges both doctors and patients to be very careful using fluoxetine.
Start counting with me.
The antidepressant starts making them better (but not back to normal yet), and the depressed person now has the ability to finish the deed.
One problem is psychiatrists and GP's who prescribe the drugs, but don't know, or don't want, to monitor for this syndrome during the first few weeks of therapy.
Her regular doctor prescribed it to help my wife with her monthly menstrual cramps...
My wife used to be the brightest, most loving, friendly, fun loving person I have ever met. Her glowing smile would light up the room, her eyes would twinkle...
Now she just parties.
She's emotionally void, except when she's yelling at me.
I would be relieved to learn she was having an affair - at least it would provide some explanation for her actions.
We have a wonderful relationship, occasional challenges - and then POOF.
The only reason we are still together are our two kids.
I'm sure Sarafem isn't the sole problem/cause/culprit, but all the bad stuff happened immediately after she started taking it.
I've read Sarafem/Prozac affects people differently - it's a shame it is not represented as such as powerful medicine.
As far as I'm concerned, Sarafem ruined my wife.
ping
Coupled with my size and the amount of weaponry in my house, I think my tagline speaks for itself. (No, NOT the one from yesterday about the starving pygmies in New Guinea amen.)
Well I wish Paxil would have been around when I was growing up because it sure did make a difference in my father's behavior. He was an abusive mean SOB and when the doctor's finally prescribed Paxil he was a whole lot nicer. Maybe the problem is that too many people are being prescribed this medication who really don't need it.
However, for those who do it is a great thing.
I was on Luvox a number of years ago. It made certain activities a real stairway to nowhere, ifyouknowwhadImean.
While the drugs may be involved, sounds like you have bigger problems than can be explained just by that, especially the affair.
"The antidepressant starts making them better (but not back to normal yet), and the depressed person now has the ability to finish the deed."
I went to a hospital and they watched me during a day program to make sure that when the energy came back, I didn't direct it towards suicide.
I had that same experience. Made it VERY easy to quit taking it.
A resurrection of what?
I do not follow.
These psy-meds are really dangerous.
Do you think so as well?
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