Doctors outraged as psychiatrist ‘funded by big pharma’ suggests antidepressants should be given over-the-counter

Psychiatrist Dr. Roy Perlis is under fire for advocating the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of antidepressants in an article published by STAT news. Other medical professionals strongly opposed, highlighting potentially harmful side effects related to these drugs. The critics also targeted Perlis for failing to mention his financial connections with numerous companies producing these medicines in his article.

Harvard Professor Perlis had argued that the current need for mental health medications is enormous in the US, with an estimated 50 million people standing to benefit from easy access. He emphasized that selling antidepressants OTC could help those reluctant to seek medical help due to the social stigma around mental health. Critics, however, pointed out that these medications often come with risky side effects and accused Perlis of unprofessional behavior for not disclosing his financial interests. Moreover, other medical professionals, like Dr. James Davies, suggested that Perlis’s remarks indicate possible corruption in the medical industry.