September 4, 1999: Hilly Rose - Prozac: Panacea or Pandora? - Dr. Ann Blake Tracy

Dr. Ann Blake Tracy examines Prozac and antidepressant medications, questioning whether these drugs represent medical breakthrough or dangerous substances causing violence and suicide. Her research into SSRI antidepressants reveals disturbing connections between these medications and acts of violence including murder and suicide among users. Tracy discusses the mechanism of Prozac and related drugs and how they alter brain chemistry in ways that may produce serious psychological and behavioral side effects. The conversation covers case studies of people who committed violent acts while on antidepressants and how such incidents suggest these drugs can trigger dangerous behavior in vulnerable individuals. She examines pharmaceutical industry influence over medical practice and how profit motives drive widespread prescription of medications despite serious safety concerns. Tracy addresses how doctors often dismiss patient reports of troubling side effects while continuing to prescribe medications that may be causing the problems patients experience. Her research reveals how antidepressants are prescribed to millions including children despite inadequate long-term safety studies and growing evidence of serious risks. The discussion covers what people can do when experiencing problems with antidepressants and how to safely discontinue medications that may be causing harm. Tracy explores alternative approaches to depression and how addressing root causes through lifestyle changes and therapy may be safer and more effective than relying on medications with dangerous side effects.