Something In The Water Lake Lewisville in Dallas, Texas, is quickly becoming Lake Placid. Bryan Brooks, a Baylor University toxicologist, has discovered traces of Prozac's active ingredient (fluoxetine) in the tissue of blue gill fish in Lake Lewisville. Brooks speculates that the fluoxetine somehow made its way from the urine of Prozac users, through a water treatment plant, and into the lake.
Most disturbing is the larger question: If fluoxetine can make the trip intact from human urine to the tissue of fish, are other pharmaceuticals also getting through? The thought of it is enough to make you feel a little, you know… depressed! Meanwhile, there's no word yet on whether the fish are overcoming bouts of depression. Also no word on whether they're experiencing headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, drowsiness, sweating, nausea, weigh loss, joint pain, or sexual dysfunction. (All are Prozac side effects listed as "frequent" by Eli Lilly, maker of Prozac.)
I wonder if there are any complementary and alternative streams in Texas where St. John's Wort flows freely?
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
Sources:
"Fish on Prozac? How Depressing!" MSNBC, 10/23/03, msnbc.com
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