Posted by jamie on January 6, 2000, at 2:27:09
In reply to Antidepressent use in safety sensitive jobs, posted by Heather on January 6, 2000, at 0:54:26
> Could a professional reccomend an antidepressant that
> will not affect motor control and operation of heavy
> equipment such as locomotives. Locomotive Engineers
> who require medication for depression are often
> prevented from working because of contraints.
> ThankyouNot a professional. But personally experienced with many different antidepressants.
The newer ones like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, and Wellbutrin basically have the least side effects. The tricyclics should probably be avoided because sedation and blurred vision are common side effects with them. Wellbutrin is often activating and shouldn't usually have any effect on motor control. Of the ssris, zoloft is said to have the least effects on cognitive function. Prozac is usually somewhat activating. I think zoloft or prozac or wellbutrin would be the best choices. Others would come with either too much sedation or other distracting side effects.
But these are just generalizations, because no two people respond exactly the same. The "warnings" on the medication labels always say to avoid operating machinery until you know how the drug affects you. The three I mentioned are, in my opinion, the ones least likely to cause any problems at all operating machinery. Psychostimulants (such as ritalin) are often prescribed with antidepressants for various reasons. That's another option.
Regards,
jamie
poster:jamie
thread:18162
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000101/msgs/18171.html