KENILWORTH residents who take anti-depressants should not stop taking them, a Warwickshire health chief has warned.
Jean Miller, chief executive of Stratford-based mental health organisation Springfield Mind, issued the advice following the publication of a report last week that suggested drugs such as Prozac, Efexor and Seroxat have little or no benefit.
The r
esearch, by experts at the University of Hull, indicates that placebos - or 'sugar pills' - are just as effective for people suffering milder forms of depression.
Mrs Miller said: "There are thousands of people in Warwickshire on drugs like this - prescribed by GPs and other medical professionals - for a variety of reasons.
"The danger when research like this is published – whether it is right or wrong - is that some people panic and simply stop taking their medication.This is the most dangerous thing they can do – drugs like this normally have to be withdrawn gradually under the supervision of a professional to minimise side affects."
"If anyone is worried about this research, I urge them to talk to their GP or clinician.
"If it is decided to withdraw medication as a result, it can then be done in a controlled and safe way."
To find out more visit www.mind.org.uk
