Antidepressants’ Value

Readers of “FDA Calls for Warnings on 10 Antidepressant Drugs” (March 22) should not automatically think that antidepressants will cause suicide attempts or other violent behaviors. Though this may indeed be a side effect, antidepressants have saved countless lives from similar destructive behavior. The new warning may not only discourage people who need antidepressants from taking them but also convince current users to cease taking the medication abruptly, which is incredibly dangerous. Antidepressants are lifesaving for many people, and anyone who thinks he or she may be depressed should not hesitate to be evaluated by a mental health professional.

Dina Richman

Northridge