Blue Dreams: The Science and the Story of the Drugs that Changed Our Minds

Aside from being an incredibly gifted writer, Ms. Slater has turned exhaustive research into something close to art. But she’s always done this with the poetic way she writes. In this book she lays out the facts in a non-judgmental fashion (sometimes sharing bits of relevant personal experiences with many of the drugs discussed which are my favorite parts of the book) the struggles, infighting, obstinacy and general ignorance in the business of psychiatry and pharmacology of the search for the cure for highs and lows. I found the section on psychedelic psychotherapy particularly interesting as I experimented with the psychedelic drugs as a young man and my experiences were always positive, humbling and spiritually uplifting. My friends took these experiments as such, not so much for recreational purposes although there was I little bit of that too. But these natural wonders showed us the hidden world – the one that breathes trees and they were experiences I’ll never forget and ones that I’m dying to live again. I suffer from chronic depression and this kind of therapy gives me hope.Although this is one of her less personal books (which are my favorites- please do yourself a favor and check out “Welcome to My Country” and “Lying: A Metaphorical Memoir”) it definitely has its own rewards. But as Ms. Slater reminds our scientists we need to get on the ball as far as research goes because we’re a long way from a cure for depression, etc. Again- this is a necessary book for anyone interested in how we just might get better one day.

A very interesting book by the only person who could have written it. To one who has battled depression and who then had to battle the weapons handed me due to the grotesque side effects, I can understand the author’s frustration with a profession that is second only to false prophets in building a house of cards disguised as a cure. Working as a pharmacy tech only reinforces her arguments when I look into the pleading eyes of my customers being fed lies and placebos. And, like the author, I believe that the psychopharmaceutical industry is squashing natural cures due to their ready availability and lack of profit margin as fast as the carbon based fuel industry has sought to dam the demand for renewable natural energy. Capitalism surely eats it’s young...

I have some knowledge of pharmacology as a Medicinal Chemistry major from a School of Pharmacy and thirty years of Forensic Toxicology - so I definitely appreciated this work. Lauren Slater has a way with words and writes in a very interesting manner - I never got bored. I am not certain of the scientific validity of all of her stories, but they are definitely tantalizing. It very certainly piques ones interest and makes one wonder about the driving forces of our medical professions and whether they could possibly let go of some of the monetary gain and look more to prevention and treatment of the patient...but can that happen. Read the book - most will be glad they did.

Beautifully written, gorgeous language, a bird's eye view into a suffering mind, combined with scientific and historical data concerning the life of psychopharmaceuticals. Having several people in my family suffering from different forms of mental illness, most of which have been touted as chemical imbalances, all of whom are taking or have taken pharmaceuticals to cope, I found this fascinating from multiple points of view. An enjoyable educational read. I highly recommend it to anyone who is taking pharmaceuticals for depression or other psychotic ailments.

The author has been on both sides of pharmaceutical mental health drugs - as a patient and as a psychologist. Each chapter is the history of the development and use of a different psychotropic drug. The author tells the stories in a very interesting and nuanced way.

interesting and informative book on antidepressants.

I work in psych and i learned a lot from this book! We don't think about the actual patient experience and life many times when we write for these drugs. Thanks for opening up and sharing your life! (You also made me laugh!).

Lovely read

Dr Lauren Slater is not only a long term service user she has also has a doctorate in psychology. I wasn’t expecting so much detail, more a personal account of Lauren’s journey, but I have to say I am really impressed. I am currently at top university studying a Masters in Psychology and Neurology of Mental Health, and the format and history is highly readable. The historical detail is well presented in a chronological order. This style suits my fact needing linear style of thinking. It’s not fiction after all. It’s a very fast read for me and although I’m on the first section all the relevant known names are included, along with a few I didn’t know.This book was not endorsed by any academic institution and I get that, but I also find it disappointing. I feel for anyone studying psychology or mental health you really should buy this book. Normally I buy highly praised academic books by “relevant” professors in top academic institutions - however - I’m absolutely thrilled to have found this! Thanks Lauren & well done 👏

Some issues re med us as only alternative especially given the available research; see Pharmagedon and The emperor's new drugs from Amazon.

Llegó mucho antes de lo esperado y eso siempre se agradece! Además llegó en excelente estado y sabiendo que los libros son caros, especialmente viniendo del extranjero, lo pagado fue una excelente opción! Gracias Amazon!

This book is amazing. It's so well written, filled with such interesting information on the drugs we use for depression, and yet the author brings it down to the personal level and her battle against the darkness. Well done.

I always was curious about this subject and know more about medication. I like the book and documents provided. I just read the book and finished it on weeken. I love it. it was amazing .