Thursday, April 4, 2013

DRUGS CAN CAUSE CNS LUPUS-LIKE SYMPTOMS


WAS THIS AN UNIQUE STORY?

Not at all!

While I think my experience has been unusual, I know that it is not unique.

My recent google search for CNS lupus symptoms brought me to the Lupus Foundation of America website. The headline read “drugs used to treat lupus can cause side effects that are similar to the symptoms of CNS lupus.” It encourages people to consult with a neurologist who can determine if the drugs rather than lupus could be the cause of the problems.

 DRUGS THAT CAN CAUSE CNS LUPUS-LIKE SYMPTOMS

NSAIDS (non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Celebrex, ibuprofen, and naproxen
 
Antimalarial drugs           
 
plaquenil and hydroxycholoroquine
 
Corticosteroids
Prednisone
 
Hypertensive drugs
blood pressure medications like beta blockers


Most surprising is that antidepressant drugs are not included in their list. I think this is an oversight.

But I am not naïve. I have to say that I have excellent doctors - they are world renowned doctors at the top of their fields.  My neurologist is a graduate of the Harvard University. And if he missed this, then most other doctors are also probably not aware of the side effects of antidepressants.
Perhaps doctors are in the dark because pharmaceutical companies do not publicize the problems with their cash cows?

I have done a lot of reading about antidepressants recently. There is considerable evidence about how ineffective these drugs are and just how harmful they can be. Certainly, my story demonstrates this.

My upcoming blogs are going to focus on the research which calls into question the effectiveness of antidepressants. I know you will be shocked to learn that antidepressants actually increase the risk of suicide. 
After that, I am going to share information about better, more natural ways that have helped me deal with symptoms of depression. 

 

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