Honestly, I was a bit worried about RFK's theory on antidepressants. I'm glad you clarified the information for us. I fear most people put their lives at risk due to false scientific analysis.
Great post! Very informative. As a fellow healthcare provider and someone who has struggled with mental health themselves, I appreciate your input and efforts to combat all the medical misinformation out there. Keep doing what you're doing!
Weeks or even months to taper off SSRIs I think indicates RFK Jr. has a point. While not addictive like opioids clearly long-term use of SSRIs can create a dependence that is not easily reversed. The brain has adapted to SSRI use and must readjust when they are withdrawn.
Hi Mr. Findlay. I understand there is something to learn about how to discontinue and taper an SSRI, however I disagree that RFK Jr. has a point. He is reckless in his understanding of the science and dangerously oversteps his expertise - leading to false statements that are harmful to public health. Vaccines do not cause autism. His claim that SSRIs are more addictive than heroin is simply false. They aren't even addictive. Mr. Kennedy has been elevated to a prominent government post and with it he is entrusted to make responsible statements. Imagine a depressed individual who reads his claim and decides to not pursue treatment due to false information. Months later they die by suicide. A discontinuation/withdrawal syndrome is not a reason to not take a medication that could be life saving!! In other areas of medicine the same is true. Patients must slowly taper off an anti-seizure medication or benzodiazepine or they risk a seizure amongst other things. Stopping a blood pressure medication cold turkey could lead to very high blood pressure and devastating outcomes including a stroke. My point is that there are many treatments that have a withdrawal syndrome (some even fatal) that are not a reason to not take the medication as a treatment. The country needs leaders with expertise in their field who know how to evaluate data and scientific information. RFK Jr does not meet this criteria.
To add to this, I would say also that not all antidepressants are SSRIs. Although they might not be physically addictive, stopping abruptly, even over periods of several months, can amplify suicidal ideations and atypical behaviours.
Good article, Jake. Could you also someday explain about screen “addictions” and how the brain is rewired? In terms of the brain how does this compare with a substance like opioids and how the action is in the brain.
I am so happy you addressed this so well Dr. Jake. Thank you for breaking down the difference and effects of Opioids and SSRI's. It's so important that people dealing with depression get the right help needed and don't get trapped in misinformation, that proves otherwise.
Thank you Dr. Jake.
Thank you for the support Marco!
Honestly, I was a bit worried about RFK's theory on antidepressants. I'm glad you clarified the information for us. I fear most people put their lives at risk due to false scientific analysis.
I'm glad the newsletter could help your worry a little!
Great post! Very informative. As a fellow healthcare provider and someone who has struggled with mental health themselves, I appreciate your input and efforts to combat all the medical misinformation out there. Keep doing what you're doing!
Thank you for all that you do!
Likewise man! Would love to collaborate some time. 👍🏻
Really well written post! Fighting misinformation is SO important
Thank you!
Thank you for clarifying this difference.
You're welcome!
Thank you Doctor Jake!
You're welcome!
Thank you for speaking up!
Thank you for the support Laurie!
Bravo 👏 thank you for standing up to provide clarity. The misinformation spewing out is threatening public health.
Thank you Tanya!
Thank you for this explanation to provide evidence based education and reduce stigma.
You're welcome. Thank you for the support RJ!
Thank you for this! It’s hard to understand how RFK JR comes to his dangerous conclusions.
Thank you for the support Charlotte!
Bravo! So important to combat misinformation, especially when it comes from the new head of the Health department.
Thanks for the support pops!
Weeks or even months to taper off SSRIs I think indicates RFK Jr. has a point. While not addictive like opioids clearly long-term use of SSRIs can create a dependence that is not easily reversed. The brain has adapted to SSRI use and must readjust when they are withdrawn.
Hi Mr. Findlay. I understand there is something to learn about how to discontinue and taper an SSRI, however I disagree that RFK Jr. has a point. He is reckless in his understanding of the science and dangerously oversteps his expertise - leading to false statements that are harmful to public health. Vaccines do not cause autism. His claim that SSRIs are more addictive than heroin is simply false. They aren't even addictive. Mr. Kennedy has been elevated to a prominent government post and with it he is entrusted to make responsible statements. Imagine a depressed individual who reads his claim and decides to not pursue treatment due to false information. Months later they die by suicide. A discontinuation/withdrawal syndrome is not a reason to not take a medication that could be life saving!! In other areas of medicine the same is true. Patients must slowly taper off an anti-seizure medication or benzodiazepine or they risk a seizure amongst other things. Stopping a blood pressure medication cold turkey could lead to very high blood pressure and devastating outcomes including a stroke. My point is that there are many treatments that have a withdrawal syndrome (some even fatal) that are not a reason to not take the medication as a treatment. The country needs leaders with expertise in their field who know how to evaluate data and scientific information. RFK Jr does not meet this criteria.
To add to this, I would say also that not all antidepressants are SSRIs. Although they might not be physically addictive, stopping abruptly, even over periods of several months, can amplify suicidal ideations and atypical behaviours.
Great, succinct post. I am going to email it to anyone who may benefit from it.
Thank you for spreading the word!
Any thoughts on the dangers of SSRI’s. I would not prescribe or suggest anyone start on them for multiple reasons.
No comment is a comment I believe!
Good article, Jake. Could you also someday explain about screen “addictions” and how the brain is rewired? In terms of the brain how does this compare with a substance like opioids and how the action is in the brain.
I am so happy you addressed this so well Dr. Jake. Thank you for breaking down the difference and effects of Opioids and SSRI's. It's so important that people dealing with depression get the right help needed and don't get trapped in misinformation, that proves otherwise.