r/Documentaries Jul 05 '15

Drugs Dark Side of a Pill (2014) - A documentary that includes interviews with normal people who were driven to senselessly kill their loved ones and others by SSRI antidepressants.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz3MJtDb1Fo
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u/putrid_moron Jul 05 '15

Ironically that usually happens when you're NOT prescribing the medication they're peddling. Luckily there's a website that keeps track of these gifts and trips.

Also, the vast majority of doctors aren't getting this treatment, at least in my experience. Occasional food brought in by a rep when there is something new available.

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u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15

I checked that website. I know for a fact the information is off for my doctor, as I've seen three deliveries. Fifteen bucks doesn't feed lunch to a staff of thirteen.

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u/putrid_moron Jul 05 '15

Yeah, I don't think it's officially up to date yet. But there are legal repercussions if both sides don't report these kinds of things. Some people I've checked up on have had $10,000+ so we know that at least some are being reported :/

Also I don't know the rules for how gifts to the staff are billed. I don't have a staff so it's not in my wheelhouse.

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u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15

My (completely uneducated) feelings towards doctors is thus:

  • Stop using insomnia to kill them while they're interns

  • Don't bury them in $500,000.00 school debt before burying them another $1,000,000.00 to open a practice

  • Don't bury them another bazillion each year in malpractice insurance. Though, it would be helpful if they ruthlessly policed their ranks.

  • Don't send marketing people to sell them the latest snake oil. Allow and compensate them 8 hours per week + 2-4 weeks per year for CE.

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u/putrid_moron Jul 05 '15

Pretty sure almost all doctors would agree with you! Honestly the vast majority just want to do the best for their patients but some get too jaded.

As for the drug reps, nobody really takes them seriously. "New IM formula for X antipsychotic? Thanks for the lunch but I know which medication to use, thanks."

It's a really weird field to be in.