Seanad debates
Thursday, 27 February 2003
Suicide Incidence: Statements.
Senator Morrissey referred to the data sheets of the drug Cipramil and I will take up his point. This has been raised on radio shows recently in the aftermath of a suicide and problems with certain drugs. The issue the Senator raised is a huge problem in society and I am well aware of it. The pharmaceutical industry and medical profession used drugs such as diazepam, barbiturates and others and said they were not addictive. While it should not take several years for the truth to come out – unfortunately sufficient people do not stand up and say what they know – there is no doubt that all these drugs are addictive. I am not demeaning the value of these new therapeutic drugs. Many of those who are using them are ambulatory and in the community and but for these drugs would be in institutions. However, their overuse and over-prescribing is an issue.
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