This book is an excellent introduction to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. Appleton provides the reader with accurate information about this important group of medications, leaving it to the reader and his doctor to choose an effective remedy to this all-too-often fatal disease.

The only problem is that like most medical books, this book was obsolete before it was published. New drugs and non-drug treatments have been developed since _Prozac and the New Antidepressants_ went to press. A depressive searching for help might do best by talking to his or her family physician or psychiatrist first.

I LIKED THE BOOK BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED WELLBUTRIN SR FOR DEPRESSION. HOW LONG BEFORE IT WORKS? HOW DID YOU FEEL? HOW MUCH ARE YOU TAKING? AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU COULD SHARE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH WELLBUTRIN.

I was given paxil for my depression at the end of july and it still hasn't been a good drug to me. I feel that people who are treated for depression should try to overcome their depression on their own because they would have a better chance of overcoming their fears or whatever the case may be. By someone giving you a drug for your problems you will adapt to that and feel as though you should receive medication for every problem you may come across. From my experience depression is a mind thing and should be taken into deep consideration about the cause and effect and at that point you will know how to handle the situation.

This "little" book (it can be read in a few hours yet consulted as a comprehensive reference tool) is the one own if you must limit yourself to one (and given the abundance of material in print and on-line, it may be wise to have just one reliable resource). It provides user-friendly yet responsible information about all of the SSRI's (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil) as well as the drugs that preceded them (tricyclics, benzodiazapines) and the more recent antidepressants (Effexor, Remeron, Celexa). Appleton looks at many promising drugs awaiting approval as well as the vast number of touted herbal remedies. The author has no agenda. He provides balanced information about the percentage of consumers who are likely to be helped and to what degree. He also suggests 2 and 3-step drug programs for individuals who are "treatment-resistant." Best of all, the author combines appreciation for the medical efficacy of certain drugs with healthy skepticism and an experienced professional's common-sense.

This is an excellant place to start if you want to know more about antidepressant drugs. It is easy to read and understand but this is not just some guy's opinion. The information contained here is current to the date of publication.

As a bonus the author includes a review of various medications not available in America but commonly used overseas (Europe mostly) and some herbal medicines. This section is also helpful and easy to read and look up specific herbs or medicines.

The section on drugs in the "pipeline" is not of the same quality and interest as the rest of the book. Skim it if you must but don't start with the last chapter and think it is reflect of the rest of the book.

This would be helpful for those with depression or for family members trying to understand depression and options for treatment. It is also a useful tool for non-medical service providers who need an easy reference tool for common antidepressant medications.

The book is not very long but offers just the right amount of information and makes for easy reading without all the technical jargon. It gives a very informative background on the various new antidepressants and is a must read for those already on antidepressants who are curious or have concerns about what they are currently taking. What I liked most were the comparisons of the various kinds of new antidepressants as well as the side effects known to each.