Q & A with filmmaker Phil Lawrence | September 2006
Continued from page one

Are you against Antidepressants?
Not at all. Ten years ago, I would have said that taking Paxil was the best thing I had ever done. At the time, I felt like Paxil gave me my life back, but now, I’m not sure if it gave me back my life or simply substituted it with a watered down version. I know Anti-Depressants have been around for a long time and have been an integral part in allowing a number of people live somewhat normal lives. I am most concerned with the use of SSRIs and the range of conditions for which they are prescribed.

Are you out to bash drug companies?
Not necessarily, but I intend on honestly exploring the alarming amount of prescriptions written for SSRIs. If the drug companies have some responsibility for that…we’ll just have to see what happens.

What about the government and the FDA?
Same thing. I intend to explore the process by which SSRIs made it to the market and how well they were studied before being introduced to the public. I am also interested in the decision to let drug companies advertise directly to consumers – I wonder who this benefits more, the public or the drug companies.

Do you think SSRIs should be taken off the market?
No. I believe that there are many situations and circumstances where SSRIs are appropriate and effective.

If you need to, will you take another anti-depressant after quitting Paxil?
Humm. At this point, I would probably first choose to explore other options, but worst case scenario, I would say, yes (but after a ton of research!)