Drew Barrymore has refused to use anti-depressants to fight her panic attacks. According to the website IOL, Barrymore is aware that the drugs helped her father, but feels that the medication would rob her of her emotions and leave her feeling like a different person. Barrymore said, "Every single medical expert says (panic attacks) are not real. But how come when my throat is closing up, I'M blind with dizziness, I can't catch my breath, and I am hot. I had some specialist recommend a daily drug, but I don't want to do it because I don't want to suppress my emotions." The actress finally made amends with her father, John Barrymore, after a long period of estrangement, before he died of cancer in 2004. Drew added, "He went from acting like an absolute insane maniac to a semi-insane maniac, and it was a great improvement for him, so I really believe in that stuff." |