Lorraine Landry has been prescribed a new antidepressant drug, Distral, but when she stops taking it, she suffers severe withdrawal symptoms leading to an attempted suicide.

Having persuaded his sister to have chemotherapy for cancer, Stuart is dismayed by her rapid decline. His own vulnerability leads him to seek out Lorraine, drawn to her honesty and passion.

After the death of his sister, Stuart's breakdown leaves him incapable of work. In a moving reversal, he seeks support from Lorraine and together they concentrate on the fight against Distral.