Scandal! Drug Company Hid Suicide Reports?!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 3, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
By now, nothing the drug companies do should surprise me.
But every time I think they’ve sunk to a new low, they break out a shovel, start digging, and sink some more.
For years, Big Pharma has been telling us that prescription antidepressants don’t cause suicides.
But one major drug company reportedly went to great lengths to conceal the truth… and the results have been deadly.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans taking antidepressants now, this is a story – and a warning – that you need to hear.
Sometimes it takes a lawsuit to uncover the truth.
A recent suit was filed against GlaxoSmithKline by a woman whose husband committed suicide after he started taking an antidepressant (Paxil).
For many years, Paxil was marketed for suicide prevention, because it helps with depression (and not much, by the way).
But that was based on GlaxoSmithKline’s own studies – studies that hid a much, much darker side to Paxil.
The original study, published by GlaxoSmithKline, reported a low suicide rate, but that was because they did some funny accounting.
GlaxoSmithKline took some of the suicides from the Paxil group and attributed them to the placebo group instead.
I’m sure that was just an accident, right? A harmless accident that happened to make Paxil look safer than it is.
Of course, when you fix this error, guess what you find?
People are 6.7 times more likely to commit suicide on Paxil!
That means that GlaxoSmithKline was dramatically underestimating the suicide rate (again, probably an accident, right?) and they had to add a warning to Paxil’s label.
None of this would have mattered to the FDA, though. They would have still approved this drug anyway.
Although, in a minor victory, all antidepressants now come with a black-box warning about the risk of suicide – especially in younger patients.
All this, in my opinion, is a waste. There are much better ways to treat depression than using drugs.
Dr. Scott’s Plan to Reduce Depression:
- Studies suggest that inflammation may be at the root of depression. Reduce inflammation by taking fish oil, and herbs like curcumin.
- Exercise is one of the best proven ways to decrease both anxiety and depression. Find a way to get out and exercise every day.
- Brain herbs, like St. Joh’s wort, and amino acids 5-HTP have been shown to help with depressed moods.
- Many studies tie poor sleep to depression. If you are having problems sleeping, try using calming herbs, the amino acid theanine, and melatonin.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
MAILBAG: Decoding Chest Pain and Breathlessness During Activity
“I’ve been having chest pain and shortness of breath when I’m active. Could this be a sign of a heart problem? What tests should I undergo to determine if there’s an issue?” -Paul Hi Paul, Regardless of past heart history, I always advise folks to seek medical help immediately if they experience concerning symptoms, including...
The Surprising Key to SURVIVING a Stroke
Imagine you’re going about your day when, suddenly, your world turns upside down. Your vision blurs, your speech slurs, and you feel a weakness in your arm. You’re having a stroke. It’s a terrifying experience that far too many of us have faced. And if you’re lucky enough to survive, the fear of another stroke...
The Deadly Truth About Sleep Apnea REVEALED
Where do you put sleep on your priorities list? It should rank pretty high for everyone, but if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it’s time to make it one of your TOP priorities. After all, the alarming results of the latest OSA research make it clear that quality sleep is truly a matter of...
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...
The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods
It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...
Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...