Pubdate: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 Source: Union, The (CA) Copyright: 2002 Nevada County Publishing, Inc. Contact: http://www.theunion.com/index.html Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/957 Author: Debra Craig DANGEROUS DRUGS ALREADY LEGAL In a recent letter regarding medical marijuana and its assumed "adverse effects on Scott Thorpe," we read the belief that the "legalization of drugs" is not a good idea. I would suggest that "drugs" are already legal. But, unlike medical marijuana, these drugs are disguised, widely accepted and distributed, and quite potentially dangerous. I am referring to the heavily promoted anti-depressant and anti- anxiety prescription drugs. These medications belong to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), kin to LSD and PCP. According to Dr. Ann Blake Tracy, of the International Coalition For Drug Awareness (www.drugawareness.org), and author of "Prozac: Panacea or Pandora? - Our Serotonin Nightmare": "Antidepressants are the closest thing we've seen to LSD and PCP; they affect the same receptors in the brain." In fact, the maker of Prozac patented LSD years ago, when it was touted as a potential cure for mental illness and alcoholism. Ritalin also affects serotonin levels. It is a meth drug, similar to cocaine. Five million children were on Ritalin in the year 2000. Between 1995 and 1999 Ritalin use went up 23 percent in children 6 years and under, while the Prozac family of drugs went up 580 percent in the same age group. According to Dr. Tracy, and other experts, 7 to 10 percent of patients do not have the liver function necessary to metabolize these drugs. Even if they do, eventually this liver function can become impaired. The potential toxic effects from extended use of and withdrawal from these substances can be quite severe. "I can certainly verify that anti-depressants can cause mania and psychosis and cause violence and suicide," says Dr. Peter Breggin, of the Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology, and author of "The Anti-Depressant Fact Book: What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa and Luvox." Dr. Tracy is currently writing a book on parents who kill their children because 90 percent of them have been found to be on these mind-altering drugs. The most recent, tragic case is Andrea Yates. Debra Craig Grass Valley - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens