How Antidepressants Affect Your Immune System

Prozac Antidepressant drugs may have an effect on the immune system. Drugs such as Prozac and Zoloft, which belong to a class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or "SSRIs," work by making the chemical serotonin remain for longer periods at nerve junctions.

New research indicates that serotonin is also a signaling molecule between immune cells. Dendritic cells pick up serotonin at inflammation sites and pass it along to T cells. This affects T cell growth and division into new cells.

However, when Prozac was introduced at inflammation sites, it blocked this type of serotonin uptake.

Blood February 1, 2006; 107(3): 1010-1017

Yahoo News January 27, 2006

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

A few months ago, an insightful report in the British Medical Journal argued brilliantly that antidepressants offer no meaningful benefit and emotional problems can be better handled without taking a toxic drug.

Now there's another health-harming reason to stay away from them. Antidepressants like Prozac don't just block serotonin when doing so would be helpful; they also block it when doing so will cripple your immune system.

This is yet more evidence you should be avoiding antidepressants altogether, and using safer, healthier options that have nothing at all to do with taking a pill to treat the true cause of your problem:

Take a high-quality fish or cod liver oil. If you haven't read Dr. Stoll's book on this subject, it is highly recommended. He is an enlightened Harvard psychiatrist and has written an outstanding book on the topic.
Start an exercise program today, as it clearly is one of the best-kept secrets for depression.
Learn how to use an energy psychology tool like the Emotional Freedom Technique. Energy psychology tools are one of the most powerful methods I know of and really are a crucial element of a successful treatment program.

For serious problems it would be prudent to not treat yourself with EFT and to contact a health care professional who is trained in the technique. You can use the list of guidelines and practitioners compiled by Dr. Patricia Carrington.

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