Medicating Normal (2019)

Rated N/R, Documentary, 76 Minutes

Fifty million Americans are addicted to commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs that are tested and promoted, sometimes fraudulently, by huge pharmaceutical companies. While these drugs often provide effective short-term relief for emotional distress and other issues, drug companies have hidden common side effects and long-term risks from both patients and doctors. MEDICATING NORMAL follows the journey of four diverse Americans – an army combat veteran, a student, a naval engineer, and a waitress. They each suffered from issues such as mild depression, anxiety or sleeplessness – feelings that used to be considered part of the normal fluctuations of human emotions. And all of them have been seriously harmed by the psychoactive drugs that are regularly prescribed to treat these issues. The debilitating side effects of these drugs, including addiction, are common, and yet they are not commonly acknowledged.

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SBIFF Schedule
  • 01/16/2020
  • Metro 1
  • 11:00 am - 12:16 pm
  • 01/17/2020
  • Metro 4
  • 3:00 pm - 4:16 pm
Reviewed on January 15, 2020 by Jon Kaye

Summary

7.5 out of 10 - Good discussion about prescription drugs and the affects on patients. (Jon)
10 - Must see doc on mental health drugs. (Sandy)
9.0 - (Leslie B.)
8.3 - Urgently needed documentary. Informative and well told. (Laurie M.)
8.0 - Great title and well done. (Patsy F.)
7.0 - Good expose about over prescription of psychiatric drugs. (Richard S.)

75%
Craft 75%
Artistry 75%
What I Liked
What I Didn’t