​One in seven Australians are currently using some form of antidepressant, generating billions in revenue for the global pharmaceutical sector.
While these medications, including popular names like Prozac, were lauded as miracle treatments for depression and anxiety in the late ’80s, this week’s “Four Corners” episode raises pressing questions about their efficacy.
Produced by BBC’s Panorama, the episode titled “The Antidepressant Story” takes a hard look at the numerous and often overlooked side effects these medications can have, and explores whether these treatments, initially celebrated for their minimal side effects, are indeed as beneficial as advertised.
The documentary interviewed over 100 individuals who have experienced a variety of symptoms, ranging from less severe issues like headaches and brain fog to more significant consequences, including sexual dysfunction and suicidal tendencies. The findings suggest that the side effects are broader than generally disclosed.
So, the central question looms: are antidepressants genuinely advantageous? Or have the adverse effects been conveniently minimized to serve the profitable interests of pharmaceutical companies? The episode delves into this compelling issue, offering a platform for both experts and sufferers to weigh in.
