30 million Americans take medication to treat depression, but for most people, antidepressants serve mostly as a placebo, scientists now say.
Antidepressants are medications meant to act on the chemistry of the brain to relieve symptoms of depression. However, there are often side effects from the antidepressants. The reasons for depression are varied – but the truth is, in most cases, experts are unsure why depression develops.
More Americans are taking antidepressant medications like Prozac and Zoloft for extended periods of time: One-quarter of people on the drugs have used them for a decade or more, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics. But even the longest rigorous studies of antidepressants’ safety and efficacy have followed patients for only a couple of years.
Now, there’s a growing concern among health professionals that some people who are taking the drugs long-term shouldn’t be—needlessly subjecting themselves to side effects and potential health risks.
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Some recent studies have suggested serious potential risks. People who used antidepressants had a 14% higher risk of heart attacks and strokes and a 33% greater risk of death according to findings in a meta-analysis of 17 studies that was published in 2017 in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.
There are of course, circumstantial factors in everyday life that contribute – such as a death in the family, divorce, illness or other traumatic event.
Big Pharma has monopolized the discussion on this epidemic condition and flooded the market with prescription antidepressants.
Emerging research indicates that less than 50% of patients prescribed antidepressants actually get better. In fact, the long list of potential side effects (extreme agitation, thoughts of suicide, hostility, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth…you get the picture) are potentially worse that the “cure”.
It would seem that such an abysmal success rate would cry out for a more natural approach. There are some interesting studies identifying the brain food nutrients essential in effectively dealing with depression.
B Vitamins: The B vitamins have often been referred to as the “stress” vitamins. When we are overwhelmed the B vitamins are the first to be depleted. Research has shown that a good B complex vitamin can be of great benefit in helping to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Stress Eze was a formula we designed with this in mind. In addition to a robust B vitamin complex, Stress Eze also contains numerous other nutrients clinically shown to assist the body in dealing with stress.
In conclusion, the temptation is to go after the “quick fix” that Big Pharma offers to deal with our depression. A natural approach is more compelling when you consider the side effects associated with the depression drugs found in the market today.
