Prozac May Cause Bleeding Just Like NSAIDs

A new report from researchers at Northwestern University found a relatively new side effect of taking selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Paxil: Acute gastrointestinal bleeding similar to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.

I use the word relatively purposely because, even though no SSRIs were named specifically in the study, drugmaker Eli Lilly lists internal bleeding as one of the potential drawbacks to taking Prozac. And, these results confirm the findings of a Dutch study I posted late last year.

One interesting factoid of note: This Northwestern study was funded by TAP Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures the popular proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) Prevacid.

Just more evidence taking "cure-all" drugs like Prozac are far riskier to your health than the conventional health care paradigm wants you to believe. But there are safer, healthier and far less expensive options available to treat your depression. Here's some options I strongly recommend:

• Begin to balance your intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fats by taking a high quality fish or cod liver oil daily.
• If you've not done so yet, start an exercise program today.
• Energy psychology tools, like the Emotional Freedom Technique, can be very useful to battle the dual effects of stress and depression.
• Take advantage of the healing power of prayer.

MSNBC May 16, 2005