Psychiatric Drugs: Cure or Quackery?

[AKJVReader]

Psychiatric drugs are worthless, and most of them are harmful. Many cause permanent brain damage at the doses customarily given. Psychiatric drugs and the profession that promotes them are dangers to your health. There are no "safe" psychiatric drugs. Each has numerous harmful short term and largely unknown long-term effects. Each psychiatric drug which was once heralded as the new "safe" wonder drug, was always eventually found to have severe harmful side effects, including addiction, and withdrawal symptoms, among others.
Psychiatric drugs obtain their result by causing brain dysfunction. Thorazine, a strong tranquilizer, creates a very similar effect to a lobotomy (brain surgery) by disrupting frontal lobe nerve activity. Psychiatrists grossly neglect to point out the potential harm of psychiatric drugs to their patients, such as tardive dyskinesia, tardive dementia, general dulling of awareness, emotional numbing, and cognitive dysfunction. Side effects can occur in as high as 50% or more of patients, depending on the drug and dosages, and often the effects are permanent with no known cure.


MINOR TRANQUILIZER/ANTI-ANXIETY DRUGS

Among the most widely used psychiatric drugs are the ones called minor tranquilizers, including Valium, Librium, Xanax, and Halcion. Doctors who prescribe them say they have calming, anti-anxiety, panic-suppressing effects or are useful as sleeping pills. Anyone who believes these claims should go to the nearest library and read the article "High Anxiety" in the January 1993 Consumer Reports magazine, or read Chapter 11 in Toxic Psychiatry (St. Martin's Press, 1991), by psychiatrist Peter Breggin, both of which allege the opposite is closer to the truth. Like all or almost all psychiatric drugs, the so-called minor tranquilizers don't cure anything but are merely brain-disabling drugs. In one clinical trial, 70 percent of persons taking Halcion "developed memory loss, depression and paranoia" ("Halcion manufacturer Upjohn Co. defends controversial sleeping drug", Miami Herald, December 17, 1991, p. 13A). According to the February 17, 1992 Newsweek, "Four countries have banned the drug outright" (p. 58). In his book Toxic Psychiatry, psychiatrist Peter Breggin, speaking of the minor tranquilizers, says "As with most psychiatric drugs, the use of the medication eventually causes an increase of the very symptoms that the drug is supposed to ameliorate" (ibid, p. 246).

MAJOR TRANQUILIZER/NERUOLEPTIC/ANTI-PSYCHOTIC/ ANTI-SCHIZOPHRENIC DRUGS

Even as harmful as psychiatry's (so-called) antidepressants and lithium and (so-called) antianxiety agents (or minor tranquilizers) are, they are nowhere near as damaging as the so-called major tranquilizers, sometimes also called "antipsychotic" or "antischizophrenic" or "neuroleptic" drugs. Included in this category are Thorazine (chlorpromazine), Mellaril, Prolixin (fluphenazine), Compazine, Stelazine, and Haldol (haloperidol) - and many others. In terms of their psychological effects, these so-called major tranquilizers cause misery - not tranquility. They physically, neurologically blot out most of a person's ability to think and act, even at commonly given doses. By disabling people, they can stop almost any thinking or behavior the "therapist" wants to stop. But this is simply disabling people, not therapy. The drug temporarily disables or permanently destroys good aspects of a person's personality as much as bad. Whether and to what extent the disability imposed by the drug can be removed by discontinuing the drug depends on how long the drug is given and at how great a dose.

 

[tim-from-pa]

A big Amen!

And add to that other worthless Big Pharma medications that lower numbers. Cholesterol, High BP, high blood sugar, etc etc they keep lowering the numbers so that everyone "needs" these worthless drugs, but nobody is ever cured. As a matter of fact, most people I see on medications are a little slower, a little sicklier, and a little dumber. And they are "old" before their time.

 

[jasoncran]

A big Amen!

And add to that other worthless Big Pharma medications that lower numbers. Cholesterol, High BP, high blood sugar, etc etc they keep lowering the numbers so that everyone "needs" these worthless drugs, but nobody is ever cured. As a matter of fact, most people I see on medications are a little slower, a little sicklier, and a little dumber. And they are "old" before their time.

so all those that are disabled and or kill.. are?

so the brain doesnt have diseases and isnt an organ? epilepsy, which btw has little to do with diet but is genetic. my sister and dad have it. dad had since his teens yrs. and cant drive. i have called 9-1-1 many times to get him help as his meds dont stop the seizures but slowly them down.

and his come from nature and are used for phsychosis that my wife has taken for her bp. depakane, depakote. these are the oldest/second to the phenybarbytl
What Causes Epilepsy? | ehealthMD
How Is Epilepsy Treated? | ehealthMD

and this and interesting read.
Medicines By Design: Chapter 3: Drugs From Nature, Then and Now - National Institute of General Medical Sciences

 

[tim-from-pa]

Jason:

I'll make an exception for people with severe cases and obvious symptoms "until something better is found". But what I am saying is that doctors want to put everyone and everything on drugs. I'm 52 now and a model healthy employee, yet the doctors think I "need" at least 4 drugs, including anti-anxiety medications for my white coat hypertension. But I tell them I think diddy squat of their opinions of hypertension in the office because I know what it is at home, and even if high, drugs never cured it or extended life anyways as they have you believe.

If someone is epileptic, yes, some medications to control it may be in order, but these are severe and obvious symptoms, not the same as trying to push drugs on a healthy individual as I am for no reason other than to line their pockets with cash. And MOST people on medications are the same and in fact, no sicker than I am. In reality, only a small percentage of people need drugs when they can improve their lives just as much if not more with natural means.

In your case, there is a generic defect and/or injury which is a truly abnormal condition. But I would still encourage you to try natural methods that may also reduce the incidents such as vitamin B6, and you may find you will need less of the drugs.

 

[jasoncran]

Jason:

I'll make an exception for people with severe cases and obvious symptoms "until something better is found". But what I am saying is that doctors want to put everyone and everything on drugs. I'm 52 now and a model healthy employee, yet the doctors think I "need" at least 4 drugs, including anti-anxiety medications for my white coat hypertension. But I tell them I think diddy squat of their opinions of hypertension in the office because I know what it is at home, and even if high, drugs never cured it or extended life anyways as they have you believe.

If someone is epileptic, yes, some medications to control it may be in order, but these are severe and obvious symptoms, not the same as trying to push drugs on a healthy individual as I am for no reason other than to line their pockets with cash. And MOST people on medications are the same and in fact, no sicker than I am. In reality, only a small percentage of people need drugs when they can improve their lives just as much if not more with natural means.

In your case, there is a generic defect and/or injury which is a truly abnormal condition. But I would still encourage you to try natural methods that may also reduce the incidents such as vitamin B6, and you may find you will need less of the drugs.

my dad has siezures daily, i have seen the eeg myself. his doctor broke it down to me and him. siezures are like a river that is overflowing and unsttoppable. the meds merely damn up the seizures.epilepsy is like this . an earthquake in part of the brain that can and does spread to them all. my dad has literally look like he was having a stroke and the hospistal tested him for that , nope his meds were to o high the last time and he also did have a thousand mini siesure happening simultatanously. the treatment adjust meds,EXCERCISE, diet and supplements(if recall right)

he has lost weight and eats better and walks regularly. while do see that some docs do the pharmacy thing. but my wifes psychatrist who is an instructor on this and an md takes her off meds when she functions normally(at presen no meds for her bp as her moods are normal) and he gives her ambien cr and reccomends melatonin as well.

some docs do recommend supplements when the see that they work he is one of two that i know.

 

[Pizzaguy]

In general, I agree with both of you (Posts 1 and 2). We are WAY over-medicated, and over-doctored in this country.

However, there are those who owe their life to drugs like Risperdol, my youngest son is one of them. The drug has side effects, sure. But without it, he has no life - some conditions are just that serious, and heartbreaking.

 

[Lewis]

Not all psychiatric drugs are killers if it was not for them many people will suffer badly. I from time to time has to use Lithium for depression I have also used Zoloft, and a few others. These psychotropic drugs has their place, and is needed. I have not used Lithium in about 3 years but guess what' it is time again. Things like Bipolar disorder are real, you think that it is not. Clinical or demonic induced it is real. Today in church my pastor asked everyone who suffers from depression clinical or demonic induced to come up to the front for prayer.

 

[tim-from-pa]

I did not know that Lithium was still used yet, Lewis. Lithium is a mineral and as such I do not personally call that a drug even though it's regulated as such. It very well may be that some people have trouble with Lithium in their bodies.

Other examples of medicines I find acceptable are certain hormonal types since they mimic the natural substances the body puts out. When I had asthma (not a serious case), I had no reservations about using OTC epinephrine since the body puts it out (and it was persevered with vitamin C). But in the meantime I tried other vitamins with greater dosages and I find I don't have the inflammations any longer in that respect. The doctors now try to push other stuff but I refuse it since it made my heart rate go up to 130 (while ironically telling me the epinephrine was worse). Any doctor worth his "salt" could probably see that if this was the case, I may have adrenal issues (e.g. exhaustion) at times and there's ways to build them up which I have done. Now, I can't remember the last time I had a sniffle.

 

[Lewis]

Yup Tim Lithium is still in major use.

 

[jasoncran]

all bi polar meds for mania are kin to lithium. clonzepan, and welbutron and these are also used for anti-seizure.

the poision control center treatement for ingesting rat poison is vitamin k.
that is for allowing the blood to clot and bring that level of clotting agent back up to normal and its to be admin intramuscularly or via tablets(at the same time).

 

[Lewis]

Lithium

Generic Name: lithium (LITH ee um)
Brand Names: Eskalith, Lithobid​

What is lithium?


Lithium affects the flow of sodium through nerve and muscle cells in the body. Sodium affects excitation or mania.
Lithium is used to treat the manic episodes of manic depression. Manic symptoms include hyperactivity, rushed speech, poor judgment, reduced need for sleep, aggression, and anger. It also helps to prevent or lessen the intensity of manic episodes.
Lithium may also be used for other purposes not listed.
Important information about lithium

Do not use lithium without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Call your doctor at once if you have any early signs of lithium toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremor, lack of coordination, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. Drink extra fluids to keep from getting dehydrated while you are taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have been sweating excessively, or if you are sick with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Lithium can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Before taking lithium

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to lithium. Before taking lithium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease;
• kidney disease;
• underactive thyroid;
• a severe or debilitating medical condition; or
• if you are dehydrated or have low levels of sodium in your blood (hyponatremia).

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take lithium.
FDA pregnancy category D. Lithium can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Lithium can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of lithium.
Do not give lithium to a child younger than 12 years old. How should I take lithium?

Take lithium exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from lithium.
Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release lithium tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the lithium pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Measure the liquid form of lithium with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Taking this medication can make it easier for you to become dehydrated, especially if you have any vomiting or diarrhea, if you are outdoors in the sun, or if you exercise vigorously or sweat more than usual. Dehydration can increase some of the side effects of lithium.
Drink extra fluids each day to keep from getting dehydrated while you are taking lithium. Tell your doctor if you have been sweating excessively, or if you are sick with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea for more than a few hours. To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your kidney function will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking lithium.
Store lithium at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
See also: Lithium dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremor, lack of coordination, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears. What should I avoid while taking lithium?

Lithium can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.
Do not change the amount of salt that you consume in your diet. Changing your intake of salt could alter the amount of lithium in your blood.
Lithium side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking lithium and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• extreme thirst, urinating more or less than usual;
• weakness, fever, feeling restless or confused, eye pain and vision problems;
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• pain, cold feeling, or discoloration in your fingers or toes;
• feeling light-headed, fainting, slow heart rate;
• hallucinations, seizure (blackout or convulsions);
• fever with muscle stiffness, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats; or
• early signs of lithium toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremor, lack of coordination, blurred vision, or ringing in your ears.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild tremor of the hands;
• weakness, lack of coordination;
• mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain or upset;
• thinning or drying of the hair; or
• itching skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Lithium side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect lithium?

 

[Lewis]

Before taking lithium, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, especially any of the following:

• acetazolamide (Diamox);
• aminophylline (Truphylline) or theophylline (Elixophyllin, Respbid, Theo-Bid, Theo-Dur, Uniphyl);
• sodium bicarbonate (Alka-Seltzer, Bicitra, Polycitra, or baking soda home remedy antacid);
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
• fluoxetine (Prozac);
• metronidazole (Flagyl);
• potassium iodide thyroid medication (Pima);
• an ACE inhibitor such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), fosinopril (Monopril), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik);
• a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Tiazac, Cartia, Cardizem) or verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan);
• a diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), bumetanide (Bumex), chlorthalidone (Hygroton, Thalitone), ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Vasoretic,Zestoretic), indapamide (Lozol), metolazone (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn), spironolactone (Aldactazide, Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide), torsemide (Demadex), and others;
• medicines to treat psychiatric disorders, such as haloperidol (Haldol), aripiprazole (Abilify), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clozapine (Clozaril, Fazaclo), olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), pimozide (Orap), risperidone (Risperdal), or ziprasidone (Geodon); or
• celecoxib (Celebrex) or an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), diflunisal (Dolobid), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), indomethacin (Indocin), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), meloxicam (Mobic), nabumetone (Relafen), piroxicam (Feldene), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with lithium. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Lithium resources

• Lithium Side Effects (in more detail)
• Lithium Dosage
• Lithium Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Lithium Drug Interactions
• Lithium Support Group
• 67 Reviews for Lithium - Add your own review/rating

Lithium Information from Drugs.com

 

[Christ_empowered]

I think the problem is that psychiatry has over-extended itself. Drugs can be a godsend if you have severe problems that actually respond to drugs. For instance: I have Bipolar type I with Psychotic Features. I'm especially prone to recurrent episodes of Psychotic Depression. A newer antipsychotic plus an SSRI keeps me out of a mental hospital and makes it possible for me to benefit from talk therapy, supplements, and spiritual exercises.

The real problem, as I see it, isn't the drugs (although the drugs can have very bad side effects, even if you need them); its that too many people are taking too many drugs for too many "conditions" that could respond to other forms of treatment, or that are really just "problems in living" that need to be dealt with through better life management, spirituality, or changes in behavior.

Take, for instance, the antidepressants. A lot of people talk about how in many studies they don't even beat placebo. What many fail to realize is that,these days, "depression" covers a lot of ground, from relatively minor to severe (such as psychotic depression). When you look at people with more severe depression, antidepressants actually beat placebo; its when you lump in people whose problems aren't as strongly biologically based and who probably don't need to take a strong medication anyway that you start to see the medication fail to outperform placebo.

 

[Zyrenah]

All medication has side effects - even paracetamol has them. Medication will always have side effects, some worse than overs.

For some people with mental health problems - they do not need medication. For others, medication does amazing things and they are able to carry on living a normal life, when they couldn't before.

 

[AKJVReader]

Does anyone believe that from reading the Scriptures you could change your mind or that you could ask God to change your mind if you had depression or sorrow?

And if you had Psychiatric treatment by reading the Scriptures and having an active Christian life you could be healed?

I mean i see in my own life how the Holy Spirit has changed me from being a anxious sort of person to a calmer and more relaxed person.

 

[Zyrenah]

There are plenty of Christians in the world, with the strongest love and faith for God - yet still suffer from mental illness. Just like people suffer from physical illness, there is no difference.

Yes faith in God helps with a lot, but if it was the cure for illness, then no now would ever be sick. Great for you if your faith helped, but someone who suffers from schizophrenia can also be a very strong and faithful Christian, but still have an illness - it doesn't make them any less of a Christian.

 

[Lewis]

There are plenty of Christians in the world, with the strongest love and faith for God - yet still suffer from mental illness. Just like people suffer from physical illness, there is no difference.

Yes faith in God helps with a lot, but if it was the cure for illness, then no now would ever be sick. Great for you if your faith helped, but someone who suffers from schizophrenia can also be a very strong and faithful Christian, but still have an illness - it doesn't make them any less of a Christian.

Good post and the right response.

 

[jasoncran]

Does anyone believe that from reading the Scriptures you could change your mind or that you could ask God to change your mind if you had depression or sorrow?

And if you had Psychiatric treatment by reading the Scriptures and having an active Christian life you could be healed?

I mean i see in my own life how the Holy Spirit has changed me from being a anxious sort of person to a calmer and more relaxed person.

is the brain not an organ? if i bash it too pulp you die. why? its runs things!so why cant it like any other organ have problems. sure we dont know alot. but then again modern medicine isnt that old at all. i have a ton of issues with psychatry and pshycology but its attempt to fix the problem. i do have more faith in psychiatry as that is more of the chemical side of the problem vs how to function with the emotional issues and or learn to cope with stress and psychosis.

 

[AKJVReader]

i have a ton of issues with psychiatry and psychology but its attempt to fix the problem. i do have more faith in psychiatry as that is more of the chemical side of the problem vs how to function with the emotional issues and or learn to cope with stress and psychosis.

The thing is if you go on psychiatric drugs with the many side effects you usually are just swapping one problem for another. Giving people control to your brain could be a dangerous thing. I would rather recommend a Christian Psychologist to help someone. But if someone isn't a Christian then that is the main problem.

 

[Pizzaguy]

There are plenty of Christians in the world, with the strongest love and faith for God - yet still suffer from mental illness. Just like people suffer from physical illness, there is no difference.

Yes faith in God helps with a lot, but if it was the cure for illness, then no now would ever be sick. Great for you if your faith helped, but someone who suffers from schizophrenia can also be a very strong and faithful Christian, but still have an illness - it doesn't make them any less of a Christian.

Agreed. My son is schizophrenic, there is no cure and only the drugs keep it under control. The side effects ARE troubling, but there is no alternative.