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Expert: - 3/24/2006


Question
What is the buddhist veiw on anti-depressent medications? I am a new buddhist and I take prozac for my depression, do they count as an intoxicant being that they are designed to change the mind chemically? If my depression is physical rather then social or spiritual what do I do?

Thank you

Colleen

Answer
Hi Colleen,

Thank you for asking me.

The 5th precept states that we should refrain from taking intoxicating substances.  We must understand the rationale for this precept.  If we deliberately take substances which dull or intoxicate our mind, then this is unwholesome, because by doing so we open ourselves to problems and troubles such as drunk driving, wife-bashing, sexual assault, and drug addiction.  We harm not only ourselves but also others.  This is the reason for keeping the 5th precept.

If your medication is for your health problem, then there is no reason to refuse. Buddhist precepts are for us to follow within reasonable limits.  We can always use our common sense and human intelligence to analyze the Buddha's teachings.  This is the advice of the Buddha, himself.

Smile from justinchoo :-)  

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Justin Choo

Expertise

When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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