The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

Dr.Dr Richards — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:45:57 GMT

There would seem no doubt that depression is more common now than in years gone by. Whilst there may be multiple theories seeking to explain this I support the nutritional imbalance postulate.

Pfeiffer, Hoffer and others did pioneering work in this field and I have incorporated the Pfeiffer approach in my medical practice since 2004.

These imbalances can be predicted, measured and corrected.

Close to 100% of depressives are zinc deplete. Correct the zinc deficiency and the majority show clinical improvement.

The vast majority of depressives have malfunctioning of their methylation pathway that can be either over or under active.
There are various biochemical tests that can demonstrate this and TARGETED nutritional supplementation can modify this imbalance usually leading to clinical improvement.

Many depressives are high pyrrole excretors that leads to both zinc and B6 depletion.

These simple tests can document the biochemical imbalance and allow a targeted theraputic approach that will lead to significant clinical improvement in about 70% of patients.
In my first 400 patients with depression I was able to identify some of these imbalances in 398.

Similar imbalances, if looked for, are found in schizophrenia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum,aspergers and ADHD.

The point of debate should be "Why is this so"?

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

FUDA — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 01:43:53 GMT

Here's a thought....my Blue Cross health policy allows $1,200 per year for mental health counseling. What puzzles me is (1) why do they allow $2,500 for those nasty Ensure drinks? (2) Why do they allow unlimited mammograms at no charge to me??

Something is wrong with this picture...what do you think it is$

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

FUDA — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 01:37:04 GMT

Some people turn to alcohol and illegal drugs, others turn to anti- depressants. Without mental health counseling, someone on anti- depressants is taking the easy way out by not dealing with their Stuff!
It's called accountability, something that most people today lack. Doesn't it seem odd that suddenly Almost ever one is depressed and in need of medication. People..wake up, this is another form of mind control...Get a Grip, get mental heath counseling - don't take pills that poison your body and your mind. Only God & Nature Heal!

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

Anathema — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:18:32 GMT

Nutrition was marginally helpful at best, but really didn't make a change in my depression. Exercise, now that was helpful until I unfortunately injured my ankle recently. I've always been thin, but need the exercise for a heightened sense of well-being. Depression runs in my family along with a large suicide attempt rate (though I am not one of them). I am glad to see there is not a blame the victim streak of posts on here because depression is no more the sufferers fault as is epilespy, autism, schizophrenia, etc. Hormones can greatly affect a persons mental health such as postpartum depression. Many people can be affected by the estrogenic compounds inundated in our foods through plastics, phenols, pesticides, etc. ( In fact, serotonin, dopamine, & adrenaline and estrogen are phenolic compounds.) It should not be surprise so many people are affected by our chemical revolution.

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

helpingheart — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 06:00:22 GMT

Antidepressants cause weight gain, constipation and depression - just to name a few.....taking antidepressants is just going backwards.

Depression is caused by nutrient deficiencies, bad diet and chemicals/toxins in body/environment, and I'm sure Dr. Mercola has a huge list of many other things.

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

bluealmond — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:54:40 GMT

One would also expect that in addition to lack of vital nutrients from 'real' food, depression is also perpetuated by the enormous amount of expose people have from watching too much television (its something like four hours a day).

News networks lead with the most morose stories they can find to ensure avid fixation on their broadcasts, whilst continually perpetuating fear and anger in the hearts and minds of the population.

Say no to junk food AND television!

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

BigEdd — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:37:40 GMT

Dr. Mercola,

This is serious. What if the emotional and spiritual imbalances are caused by chemical imbalances? We can only be what we are.

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

patkavanaugh — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:46:19 GMT

Black Americans may have increased rates of depression due to lack of adequate exposure to vitamin D

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

Amanda Rose — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:09:22 GMT

By the way, that scary stock photo is just about enough to make me want some medication.

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

PepperR23 — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:12:15 GMT

It is my belief that depression can often be misdiagnosed. I suffered "hallucinations" from multiple drug interactions and some of the things that my doctors suggested were 1) that I was depressed, 2) that I should have an MRI of my brain to rule out a brain tumor, 3) that I was having panic attacks and might need to see a psychiatrist and be put on antidepressants. Once I eliminated all the drugs, (by taking charge of my own health), all of the symptoms disappeared. I am feeling fantastic and greatly relieved that elimination of these drugs cleared up all of my symptoms!

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

PPARGammaGirl — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:02:31 GMT

Seems more like:

Dr Withnofinancialties – “Too many people are self-diagnosing depression (thanks to industry DTC ads) and asking for unnecessary prescriptions.”

Dr Muchfinancialties – “Depression is under-diagnosed and under-treated. Hear me? You are all depressed and I know this because I’m an expert. Get to your doctors immediately and get an expensive SSRI drug now, and make me even richer.”

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

Russ Bianchi — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:46:37 GMT

Lack of nutrient absorption or lack of nutrients period in processed food and beverage contribute to depression.

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

The Herb Doc — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:21:52 GMT

My, My, My! CNN and the CDC are certainly trying to walk two roads at the same time aren’t they! Here are some facts!

CNN pushes more drugs then anyone according to there commercials. They are also under fire for this very same thing! So now they have to do a very interesting shuffle. They way I see it soon a lot of people in the media will have egg all over there faces and it couldn’t be more deserving! Yes watching them “Squirm: has a little bit of satisfaction but knowing that CNN is most likely responsible for thousands of lives (from airing all those hypnotizing drug commercials from Big Pharma) It some how isn’t very satisfying at all!

China had it right when they put there “FDA” man to death for a screw up that only killed a few people, So what should be the fate of OUR FDA along with the CDC that is responsible for at least 300 deaths a day? Oh, and what about CNN?

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

The New Christine — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:40:40 GMT

I didn't care too much for this article. First it's stating that more and more people are taking anti-depressant drugs, then it's stating that finally more people are seeking treatment for their depression. Well what is it? Does the CDC consider it bad that more and more people are taking the drugs or that more and more people are seeking treatment...and then taking drugs? I agree with MM-it's a round about article. :)

re: The MOST Prescribed Drugs in the United States

mmc88121 — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 15:55:16 GMT

This article is a bunch of double speak from the CDC, first it says to many people are receiving anti-depressants, then it says not enough people with depression are being treated.

Mary