“On December 13, 2006 the FDA's Psychopharmaceutical Drugs Advisory Committee (PDAC) is meeting in Silver Spring, Maryland to discuss antidepressant-induced suicidal behavior in adults. In 2004, the FDA held similar hearings on children and concluded that antidepressants do in fact cause suicide in humans under age eighteen. A warning has been placed in all antidepressant labels or package inserts.
Now the agency has given advanced notice of its new findings--antidepressants, all of them according to the FDA, cause increased suicidality in young adults. Suicide occurs more than twice as much on antidepressants than on sugar pills in individuals under age 25. First the agency admits that antidepressants cause suicidality in children. Now the agency admits the drugs cause the same disasters in young adults. Meanwhile, an independent review of all antidepressant trials submitted to the FDA has shown that the drugs are no better than placebo. America's drug watchdog needs to come clean. It's been approving depressants as antidepressants.”
To learn more about how the pharmaceutical companies are deceiving the public with false information concerning their antidepressant drugs, please visit Dr. Breggin’s site
www.breggin.com
Mood Disorders
One in three doctor's visits by women, involve a prescription for an antidepressant medication. One in 10, American women takes at least one antidepressant drug. Prescriptions for antidepressant drug therapy have nearly tripled in the last decade.
In 2002, antidepressant use among boys and girls tripled to reach a high of 6%of all boys and girls. Nearly one in seven were on stimulant drugs in 2002, double the number in 1994-96. The largest growth spurt in antidepressant use has been among preschoolers, ages 2-4. Other statistics showed antidepressants sales reaching the total of 37 billion in sales in 2003, which came out to $9 million more than was spent on treatments for the heart, arteries and blood pressure.
In 2003 over one million American children were taking an antidepressant medication. This rather alarming since these medications have been linked to causing more anxiety and depression, and an increase in suicide. Prozac alone, has been associated with over 1,734 suicide deaths and over 28,000 adverse reactions. And this is only the reported events. The FDA estimates that only 1 percent of negative drug reactions are ever reported.
Just as scandalous, is the fact that millions of folks are taking potentially dangerous drugs which have been shown to be no more effective than a sugar pill. Several studies show that between 19-70% of those taking antidepressant medications do just as well by taking a placebo or sugar pill.
And studies now show that using SSRI’s eventually causes the brain to release less and less serotonin. Eventually the brain begins to reduce the number of serotonin receptors. This is reason why patient switch from one antidepressant to another. The reduction of serotonin receptors may become permanent. If so, the patient is most likely doomed to a life of anxiety and depression.
Potential Side-Effects Include Anxiety and Depression
Side Effects:
Common side effects include headache, muscle pain, chest pain, anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness, drowsiness, weakness, changes in sex drive, tremors, dry mouth, irritated stomach, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, rash, itching, weight gain, diarrhea, impotence, hair loss, dry skin, chest pain, bronchitis, abnormal heart beat, twitching, anemia, low blood sugar, and low thyroid.
Numerous studies show that as many as 86% suffer from sexual dysfunction.
General muscle spasms, aches, and pains are a more common side effect of SSRI drugs. These spasms may occur in the neck, shoulders or low back. This particular side effect can often complicate matters when treating some of my back pain or fibromyalgia patients.
Downward Spiral
These adverse side effects are more common than most patients and doctors think. Most doctors simply don't suspect that their patient’s health problems, bronchitis, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, insomnia, or low thyroid is from taking SSRI drugs.
Instead when a patient presents with chest pain they're referred to a cardiologist for a battery of tests, which usually come back normal. The cardiologist may prescribe a drug to help with the chest pain, perhaps a beta-blocker like Toprol. This then causes the patient to become fatigued and more depressed. Once they find themselves back at the psychiatrist’s office, which recommends they take Wellbutren to boost their energy. The patient may then have problems falling asleep so their family doctor prescribes Ambien. Ambien may cause short-term memory loss, flu-like symptoms, and more depression. And on it goes. Meanwhile none of the consulting doctors ever suspects the SSRI drug as being the originator of this chain of events. This scenario is all too common.
Orthomolecular Medicine
Fortunately for those looking for a safer, and often times more effective, way to beat mood disorders, a group of progressive minded physicians helped pioneer a new way of treating mental disorders, known as orthomolecular medicine.
In 1968, two-time Nobel Prize-winner Linus Pauling, Ph.D., originated the term "orthomolecular" to describe an approach to medicine that uses naturally occurring substances normally present in the body. "Ortho" means correct or normal, and orthomolecular physicians recognize that in many cases of physiological and psychological disorders health can be reestablished by properly correcting, or normalizing, the balance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other similar substances within the body. And unlike drug therapy, which attempts to cover-up the symptoms associated with a mood disorder, orthomolecular medicine seeks to find and correct the cause of the illness by replacing any deficient nutrients.
Where do the neurotransmitters come from?
Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that help relay electrical messages from one nerve cell to another. Neurotransmitters are produced from the amino acids in the foods we eat. These neurotransmitters include norepinephrine, dopamine, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are also known as monoamines since they're made from amino acids. Amino acids join together in different patterns to form a protein. Eating a protein rich food allows us to replenish our ongoing demand for the essential amino acids. Half of the amino acids are essential. This means our bodies can’t manufacture them and we must get them from the foods we eat (protein). Certain amino acids along with certain B vitamins and minerals produce the neurotransmitters. The amino acid tryptophan turns into serotonin. The amino acid phenylalanine turns into epinephrine. Amino acids are the raw nutrients needed to manufacture the neurotransmitters, which regulate our moods.
What do neurotransmitters do?
Neurotransmitters help regulate pain, mood, energy, sleep, mental clarity, and overall well-being. The neurotransmitters that cause excitatory reactions are known as catecholamines. Catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline) are derived from the amino acid phenylalanine.
Inhibitory or relaxing neurotransmitters include serotonin and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). The neurotransmitter serotonin is produced from the amino acid tryptophan. GABA is produced from the amino aid glutamine.
Amino Acid Replacement Therapy
The most popular antidepressant drugs are known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI’s). SSRI’s including the drugs Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, and Zoloft are supposed to help the brain re-uptake the serotonin it produces. It is analogous to using a gasoline additive to help your car get more mileage out of the gasoline in your tank.
Unfortunately, many of the individuals who suffer from mood disorders, don’t have any serotonin in their brains to re-uptake. A gasoline additive poured into an empty gasoline tank doesn’t help much, if at all.
No one is born with a Prozac deficiency. However, people can develop a serotonin deficiency. Orthomolecular medicine uses amino acid replacement therapy to correct serotonin and other neurotransmitter deficiencies. I’ve found this approach to be just as effective (if not more so) than prescription antidepressant medications.
I’ve found very few problems with mixing amino acids with prescription anti-depressants. In fact, ninety percent of my patient’s are initially on prescription antidepressants when I first start them on amino acid replacement therapy.
Brain Function Questionnaire
I have found that many of you fit into certain groups depending on how you answer the following questionnaire.
Please use this questionnaire to find the group you fit into. It will help us make decisions about the correct way to start you on your road to recovery. Let's see which brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) you may be low in by taking this quiz.
The “S” Group or Serotonin Group
If three or more of these descriptions apply to your present feelings, you are probably part of the “S” group:
• It’s hard for you to go to sleep.
• You can’t stay asleep
• You often find yourself irritable.
• Your emotions often lack rationality
• You occasionally experience unexplained tears.
• Noise bothers you more than it used to; it seems louder than normal
• You flare up at others more easily than you used to; you experience unprovoked anger.
• You feel depressed much of the time.
• You find you are more susceptible to pain.
• You prefer to be left alone.
Serotonin helps:
1. Raise the pain threshold (have less pain), by blocking substance P.
2. You fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
3. Regulate moods. “The happy hormone” reduces anxiety and reduces depression.
4. Reduce sugar cravings and over-eating.
5. Increase a person’s mental abilities.
6. Regulate normal gut motility (transportation of food-stuff) and reverse irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Surveys have shown that as many as 73% of FMS patients have irritable bowel syndrome.
You have more serotonin receptors in your intestinal tract than you do in your brain.
5HTP can boost your serotonin level.
5HTP
Serotonin levels can easily be raised by supplementing with the essential amino a 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HTP), a form of tryptophan. 5HTP is available over-the-counter and works extremely well for most patients. Studies (including double-blind) comparing SSRI and tricyclic antidepressants to 5HTP have consistently shown that 5HTP is as good if not better than prescription medications in treating mood disorders. Furthermore, 5HTP doesn’t have some of the more troubling side effects associated with prescription medications. To boost serotonin try taking 100 mg. of 5HTP three times daily, with food.
The “O” Group or Opiod Group
If three or more of these descriptions apply to your present feelings, you are probably part of the “O” group:
• Your life seems incomplete.
• You feel shy with all but your closest friends.
• You have feelings of insecurity.
• You often feel unequal to others.
• When things go right, you sometimes feel undeserving.
• You feel something is missing in your life.
• You occasionally feel a low self-worth or -esteem.
• You feel inadequate as a person.
• You frequently feel fearful when there is nothing to fear.
The “O” Group is named for the opioid neurotransmitters contained in the hypothalamus gland. These neurotransmitters have two primary functions:
First, opioids are released in small bursts when we feel a sense of urgency (stress). As a way to turn off the constant mind chatter, those in the “O group” may use stimulants and mind numbing chemicals (alcohol, marijuana, food, etc.) to escape the constant stress. These chemicals can temporarily relieve the anxious feelings by providing artificial opioids. Unfortunately, these artificial opioids also cause the opioid manufacturing cells in your brain to reduce their output. These cells then lose their ability to produce the needed opioid neurotransmitters. You then crave the artificial opioids, and an addiction has been born.
Second, when you exercise, your body releases extra opioids. This takes away the pain of sore muscles and may provide a feeling of euphoria. The opioids play an important role in pain modulation, so a deficiency of opioids can lower our pain threshold and make us more sensitive to painful stimuli.
DL-phenylalanine (a special form of the amino acid phenylalanine) can be extremely helpful in restoring proper opioid levels. Start by taking 1,000 mg. of DL-phenylalanine one–two times daily on an empty stomach (30min before or 2 hours after a meal). If you don’t seem to notice any benefits, keep increasing the dose, up to 4,000 mg. twice a day.
Phenylalanine can increase blood pressure. Both forms of Phenylalanine (DL and L) can be stimulating and shouldn’t be taken past 3:00 in the afternoon.
The “G” Group or Anxiety Group
If three or more of these descriptions apply to your present feelings, you are probably part of the “G” group:
• You often feel anxious for no reason.
• You sometimes feel “free-floating” anxiety
• You frequently feel “edgy,” and it’s difficult to relax.
• You often feel a “knot” in your stomach.
• Falling asleep is sometimes difficult.
• It’s hard to turn your mind off when you want to relax.•
(You occasionally experience feelings of panic for no reason)
• You often use alcohol or other sedatives to calm down.
The “G” group symptoms are from the absence of the neurotransmitter gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA is an important neurotransmitter involved in
regulating mood and mental clarity. Tranquilizers (benzodiazepines) used to treat anxiety and panic disorders work by increasing GABA. The amino acid L-Theanine boosts GABA levels naturally. This amino acid also increases alpha brain waves. These are the same brain waves that are produced when meditating.
I recommend my patients with anxiety take 100-200mg of L-Theanine 2-3 a day on an empty stomach.
The “D” Group or Dopamine Group
If three or more of these descriptions apply to your present feelings, you are probably part of the “D” group:
• You lack pleasure in life.
• You feel there are no real rewards in life.
• You have unexplained lack of concern for others, even loved ones.
• You experience decreased parental feelings.
• Life seems less “colorful” or “flavorful.”
• Things that used to be fun aren’t any longer enjoyable.
• You have become a less spiritual or socially concerned person.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with the enjoyment of life: food, arts, nature, your family, friends, hobbies, and other pleasures. A dopamine deficiency can lead to a condition known as anhedonia. Anhedonia is the lack of ability to feel any pleasure or remorse in life. Brain fatigue, confusion, increased pain, depression, and lethargy are all by-products of low dopamine.
The brain cells that manufacture dopamine use the amino acid L-phenylalanine as a raw material. Like most cells in the hypothalamus, they have the ability to produce four–five times their usual output if larger quantities of the raw materials are made available through nutritional supplementation.
Start with 1,000 mg. of L-phenylalanine one–two times daily on an empty stomach. If you don’t seem to notice any benefits, keep increasing the dose, up to 4,000 mg. twice a day.
The “N” Group or Norepinephrine Group
If three or more of these descriptions apply to your present feelings, you are probably part of the “N” group:
• You suffer from a lack of energy.
• You often find it difficult to “get going.”
• You suffer from decreased drive.
• You often start projects and then don’t finish them.
• You frequently feel a need to sleep or “hibernate.”
• You feel depressed a good deal of the time.
• You occasionally feel paranoid.
• Your survival seems threatened.
• You are bored a great deal of the time.
The neurotransmitter norepinephrine, when released in the brain, causes feelings of arousal, energy, and drive. On the other hand, a short supply of it will cause feelings of a lack of ambition, drive, and/or energy. A deficiency can even cause depression, paranoia, and feelings of apathy.
The amino acid S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe) is responsible for making norepinephrine.
SAMe has been shown through several well-designed studies to be one of the best natural antidepressants available. There have been more than 100 peer-reviewed studies showing that SAMe is an effective natural medication for depression. It's faster acting with fewer side effects than prescription anti-depressants.
I recommend my patients with low norepinephrine, take 400-800mg of SAMe first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (30min before breakfast). Although SAMe can elevate blood pressure and cause an increase in heart rate, the majority of my patients rarely experience these potential problems.
Yes, you can take these amino acids along with your prescription anti-depressants. Once you start feeling better then you can consider weaning off your prescription medication.
WARNING- Please consult your doctor before discontinuing any medications.
I don’t recommend you stop taking your prescription medications until after you start feeling better on my program. Stopping medications can trigger a host of withdrawal symptoms. Start taking the supplements I recommend, build your stress coping system up, and allow your body to start healing itself. After you start feeling stronger (it may be a few months) then with the help of your doctor, slowly start weaning off the medications. Most of the medications can be weaned off and never missed. Some medications will have to be re-started until you become stronger or find other less toxic options.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Patients who stop their mood disorder drugs may experience an assortment of unwanted side effects. The possible withdrawal symptoms include severe depression, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, spinning sensations, swaying, difficulty walking, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, flu-like symptoms, lethargy, muscle pain, tingling or electric shock sensations, and sleep disturbances.
Patients may falsely feel that the increased feelings of depression and or anxiety are because they still need their mood disorder drug. However, you may not need the drug, but like an alcoholic who stops drinking, you may feel worse before you feel better.
There are reports of antidepressant related withdrawal symptoms lasting 2-3 months after discontinuing the medication.
Withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, etc.) may last up to one year.
For information about beating anxiety and depression please consider purchasing my book
“Treating and Beating Anxiety and Depression with Orthomolecular Medicine.”
THIS BOOK COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Did your doctor tell you?
Antidepressants have actually been shown to increase the risk of suicide. Prozac® alone has been associated with over 1,734 suicide deaths and over 28,000 adverse reactions.
Prescription antidepressants can cause anxiety, depression, addiction, suicidal tendencies, poor sleep, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, weight gain, confusion, involuntary muscle spasms, and senility.
Antidepressants can actually deplete serotonin. Studies now show that SSRIs eventually cause the brain to release less and less serotonin.
Up to 70% of those taking antidepressant drugs would see the same benefits from a placebo.
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About Dr. Murphree
Dr. Murphree is a board-certified nutritional specialist and chiropractic physician who has been in private practice since 1990. He is the founder and past clinic director for a large integrated medical practice located on the campus of Brookwood Hospital in Birmingham Alabama. The clinic was staffed with medical doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, nutritionists, and massage therapists. He is the author of five books for patients and doctors, including Heart Disease: What Your Doctor Won't Tell You; Treating and Beating Anxiety and Depression with Orthomolecular Medicine; and Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
He can be reached at 1-888-884-9577 (toll free), or at 205-879-2383, or by email: DrRodgerm@yahoo.com
OTHER BOOKS BY DR. RODGER MURPHREE
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For nearly four decades, we have relied on medical myths to guide us in our attempts to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. We have been told to reduce our cholesterol, saturated fat intake, and to take lipid-lowering medications. Unfortunately, these recommendations have been shown to actually increase the risk of premature death, suicide, senile dementia, heart attack, strokes, and death. The material in this book comes directly from medical journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, The British Medical Journal, and The Lancet.
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Don't forget that I have a special brain function questionnaire available online to help you see if you are low in certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters). This short questionnaire shows you which neurochemical group you belong to and how to improve any symptoms you are experiencing.
In the past, I have worked with doctors who used prescription medicine. Many times, it only created a never-ending cycle of dealing with side effects and treating the side effects with more prescripions–and on and on. And here's a very interesting fact that The American College of Rheumatology states on their website concerning a 15-year study: "Conventional medical therapies are ineffective and no better than a sugar pill for the treatment of fibromyalgia." Even after this study, every day we see fibromyalgia patients being asked to take these drugs, some with terrible side effects–especially on the pocket book!
For those suffering with FMS and CFS, read more about correcting the REAL underlying causes here.
Dr. Rodger Murphree,
Corporate Center
2700 Rogers Drive
Suite 204, Homewood, AL 35209
If you have any questions, call us: (Toll-free) 1-888-884-9577
or (Regular Office Phone) 205-879-2383
