Rating: 
Summary: Talking Back to Prozac
Review: This book was full of very factual information. This author is very well versed in psychiatric drugs and their effects on the body and our society. The information provided in this book, helped me keep a steady path when dealing with a family member who was taking Prozac and flying high without emotions or regarding for others feelings. The data in this book only validated what I had experienced with my family member and others who went to this drug for help. There are many alternatives to these drugs and people just need to search for the truth. I can also recommend his book - Toxic Psychiatry.
Rating: 
Summary: Prozac: Death's Door
Review: This is one of the most disturbing drugs approved by the FDA, and leaves one to wonder, how "safe" is any pharmaceutical drug. In 1985 studies showed clear evidence that 1"Prozac caused suicidal ideation and senseless violence", and as to its effects for the treatment of depression was no more effective than the placebo in the initial study. The pharmaceutical company then evaluated the data 1"differently to cause the results to come out favorably". In the clinical trails, which ended in 1987, there were 27 deaths of those participating, 15 of which were a directly linked to the use of Prozac. Yet at the end of December 1987 the FDA approved this drug. The bias relationships between members of the FDA approving this drug and the pharmaceutical company has been well established by FREEDOM who under the Freedom of Information Act obtain the documentation regarding Prozac and found appalling evidence that the approval of Prozac was based in financial gain not the betterment of humanity. Regardless of literally thousands of reports (almost 30,000 and counting) the FDA has not imposed "labeling" on the drug, let alone pulling it from the market. The side effects reported include: Delirium, Hallucinations, Convulsions, Violent hostility, Aggressive behavior, Psychosis, Intensified depressive states, Suicidal ideation, 1,885 suicide attempts (and counting,) 1,734 deaths (and counting, 63% by suicide). This is a drug supposedly created to alleviate different forms of depression (major, minor and manic), bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder (anxiety), are among the conditions it is prescribed for, even though it can, in many cases, exacerbate the problem causing the above behaviors to occur. The above does not include the side-effects to medical/physical health. Prozac is known to harm the brain and the body. Listed side-effects reported included: Heart Attack, Bronchitis, Impotence, Pneumonia, Hair loss, Deafness, Cataracts, Duodenal ulcers, Kidney disorders, Stomach ulcers, Hepatitis, Gallstones, Arthritis, Pelvic pain, Breast cysts, Uncontrolled bowel movements, Breast pain, Painful sexual intercourse for women, Convulsions, Urinary tract disorders, Coma, Eye bleeding, Migraine headaches, Vomiting blood. With the overwhelming evidence showing the dangers of this drug, the FDA pressured personnel to discount the large number reports of adverse reactions to Prozac as "of limited value". The handling of this drug from the point of clinical testing, through its approval, and the fact that it is still on the market is unconscionable. This drug is on the market solely for the purposes of lining pockets, and not for the betterment of mankind. The approval and continued use of Prozac puts in question the entire process of approval by the FDA regarding pharmaceutical drugs on the market today. -Article taken from Wellness America
Rating:
Summary: Talking Back to Eli Lilly & Co.: Scum!
Review: This was a very enjoyable read and seemed to flow very quickly. My mind never wandered like it usually does; it stuck to the pages like a fly to glue. I'll bet Eli Lilly and Co., the drug company that makes Prozac would like to sue the Breggins. But what can they do? They surely can't sue for slander, because Peter and Ginger backs their facts up well. On the contrary, they could probably start a worldwide suit against the company in the hope of bankrupting them. Unfortunately, this wouldn't work, because Lilly has billions. Lilly doesn't care that its drug not only doesn't help people but, in quite a few instances, has caused them to kill themselves or others. The Breggins thoroughly document the fact that Prozac and similar drugs hurt your brain. And, honestly, we humans don't know yet what happens after the brain is hurt as much as these drugs hurt it. I myself, after reading all the information the Breggins have provided, am hurt that psychiatrists in my past would even put me on this drug. I am hurt they would not only put my life in jeopardy, but my brain as well. The Breggins also document the fact that Eli Lilly and Co. uses its political power to push the FDA (the US government agency responsible for approving new drugs) to approve their drugs quickly, with a very little information and inadequate testing to prove not only that it works, but that it doesn't do major harm. Furthermore, they prove that Eli Lilly has tried to use its considerable financial power to pay off people in court cases. The FDA is supposed to help the American people, but instead it helps drug companies like Eli Lilly and Co. Shame! At the end of the book, the Breggins talk about curing depression from within, not just by yourself but with the love of others and the empathy and compassion of a psychiatrist (but I'm sure anyone will do). I found Talking Back To Prozac simply amazing. Not only did do the Breggins dis-spell the myth that depression is a chemical imbalance; they also prove that humans naturally get depressed, be it severely or less severely, when something bad happens to them. Depression is a natural thing. We should all realize that, and work naturally to fix it. With the love and compassion of others, hopefully we can survive it, as tough as it will be.
Rating: 
Summary: a scolding tone!
Review: This would have been more convincing (and more entertaining to read) if the author had not seemed to be so personally emotional about the issue. Legitamite concerns about the drug are found side by side with histrionic, non-scientific arguments against it. I am a biased reader because Prozac has DRAMATICALLY changed my life for the better. I no longer cry easily. I almost never fight with my husband now because my 'control freak' tendencies are gone. I no longer have nightmares. This book should take experiences like mine into account instead of pretending they don't exist.
Rating:
Summary: Get the information out
Review: This writer has the courage to put this information out to the public. We as consumers are at the mercy of the huge drug companies and the FDA, and need more courageous people to inform about the real risks and side effects of these controversial drugs. I am a survivor of Prozac, and have been trying to "come off" this drug for over a year. The side effects are very real and dangerous. Yes, they can have permanent damage to the nervous system and brain. There are natural remedies and therapy to help people with depression, and this book can help.
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Summary: Breggin Saved My Life
Review: When every doctor I went to for help told me Prozac could not have caused my problems - Dr. Breggin was the only one out there telling the truth about this horrific drug - Prozac. Hallucinations, numb feelings, loss of job, loss of family, loss of friends -- but at least I was alive -- which is more than many can say. This drug is dangerous and does terrible things to people and I am proof of that! Anyone considering this drug must read this book - it is excellent - and it tells the truth you will not hear from those (Eli Lilly) whose only goal is to make profit...
Rating:
Summary: Breggin lacks understanding of Depression
Review: While I agree there is much abuse of Prozac, I think he lacks understanding of those with much more serious cases of mental illness. What I found particulary offensive is the last part of the book when Breggin tells that he has very depressed clients come to him for help. Breggin instead shuns them away from drugs and insteads "tries" to comfort them with talk therapy alone. He tells he understands their situation, but from reading part of this book, it is obvious he doesn't. The book is extremely one-sided and never points out the positive aspects of these types of drugs. Although there are a few reported case of disabilities created by Prozac, the vast majority are helped by it. Let me tell you this, a seriously depressed person would rather take their chances with an antidepressant than not be helped at all. It is true that antidepressants are unnecessary by those with mild cases or no illness at all. Those that have rated this book 5 stars evidently have not read the other argument of this drug.
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