When I saw this interview, I thought, "Oh look, it's finally coming out, they're both coming out of the "I'm totally overrated and unqualified closet". Since then, I retract my statement. It took the ending scene from Tropic Thunder to win me back on Tom Cruise. Lauer, I still loathe. Sadly, the subject at hand, prescription drugs for depression, after seeing this ad the other day, I guess Tom Cruise might be on to something.
Ricardo and I were having a romantic night of watching tv, when we came across this ad for medication for depression. Well, really, it is a supplement to other medications. Odd. But then 3/4 of the commercial is the disclaimer for all of the side effects. I tried to transcribe it with our awesome dvr rewind action, but it was so much, I just went to the website and copied and pasted this. This now validates my doubt in our health care system.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for Abilify with my own comments underlined:
Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, teenagers, and young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are themselves associated with an increase in the risk of suicide. Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers Really?because perhaps if they had family or caregivers around, they wouldn't be so depressed should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's healthcare professional right away, especially if they are severe or occur suddenly. Hmmm, is there a severity chart we could refer to on threatening to off yourself? ABILIFY is not approved for use in pediatric patients with depression (see Boxed WARNING). Because apparently, the reading of this particular warning isn't enough to send you into your very own depression vortex, there's also a boxed warning.
Patients should not use ABILIFY if they are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ABILIFY. Allergic reactions have ranged from rash, hives and itching to anaphylaxis, which may include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. Dear Lord, I think I'd rather take my chances and be depressed.
Serious side effects may include: Because the difficulty breathing and tightness of chest are minimal -here's the really serious ones?
An increased risk of stroke and ministroke has been reported in clinical studies of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
Very high fever, rigid muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate and blood pressure. These may be signs of a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but serious side effect which could be fatal So, taking this product is practically suicidal anyways?Abnormal or uncontrollable movements of face, tongue, or other parts of body. These may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia (TD), which may be permanent.
If you have diabetes, or risk factors for diabetes (for example, obesity, family history of diabetes), or unexpected increases in thirst, urination, or hunger, your blood sugar should be monitored. Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), in some cases serious and associated with coma or death, have been reported in patients taking ABILIFY and medicines like it.
Lightheadedness or faintness caused by a sudden change in heart rate and blood pressure when rising quickly from a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension) has been reported with ABILIFY.
ABILIFY and medicines like it can affect your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how ABILIFY affects you. So, you can't drive, you can't lie down, you can't sit. You can't have diabetes, heart disease, can't really exercise either. And this is supposed to supplement depression meds?
Medicines like ABILIFY can impact your body's ability to reduce body temperature; you should avoid overheating and dehydration.
ABILIFY and medicines like it have been associated with swallowing problems (dysphagia). If you had or have swallowing problems, you should tell your healthcare professional.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have a history of or are at risk for seizures, or are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, and about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking or plan to take, since there are some risks for drug interactions.
And there's more.
Most common side effects (≥10%) from all clinical trials involving adults or pediatric patients include:
ADULTS: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, an inner sense of restlessness or need to move (akathisia), anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS (10 to 17 years): Extrapyramidal disorder (for example, uncontrolled movement disorders or muscle disturbances such as restlessness, tremors and muscle stiffness), headache, sleepiness, and nausea
It is important to contact your healthcare professional if you experience prolonged, abnormal muscle spasm or contraction which may be signs of a condition called dystonia.
That's it? I'm afraid to ask what the benefits of it are.
That's how I roll.
Just saw the ad for it this morning. Yes, what a "helpful" drug. Keep on keeping it real.