Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio: Tom Brokaw) Reports introduced.

(Washington: Robert Hager) FDA's hearing and approval of anti- depressant drug Prozac featured; scenes shown of anti-Prozac picketers and of personal accounts given at hearing. [Spouses of Prozac users Maria MALAKOFF, Tucker MONEYMAKER - relate violent episodes which they believe were caused by Prozac.] [Former Prozac user Suzanne ROBBINS - comments.] Psychiatrists and researchers' argument that it is depression not Prozac that kills, mentioned. Full page ads against Prozac by the Church of Scientology and talk show appearances by anti-Prozac speakers noted. Results of British study on Prozac outlined on screen. [Cornell Medical Center Dr. Peter STOKES - comments.]

(New York: Robert Bazell) Depression and Prozac examined. [Two depression SUFFERERS - comment on their illness.] Previous and current treatments for depression mentioned; scenes shown. [Harvard Medical School Dr. Martin TEICHER - says Prozac is no more effective than any other anti-depressant.] Relative lack of side effects in Prozac treatment mentioned. [WOMAN - says Prozac saved her life.] Violent cases involving Prozac use recalled; scenes shown. [Health and Human Services Dr. Frederick GOODWIN - comments.] Prozac said to be a very good drug for many depression sufferers.

(Studio: Tom Brokaw; New York: Robert Bazell; Washington: Robert Hager) Discussion held about over-prescription of Prozac and whether there will be more hearings in the future.