SSRIs

Question:

>>hope you’re doing okay too hon, glad you got the lithium sorted out >im up to 50mg lamictal now, he says thats a basic therapeutic dose so we >shall see what happens… > I’m sooooo curious..

so far so good …. no side effects….. no dramatic effect on the bipolar either, but that i think will take some time… >im only hoping it was my ssri’s and not the >lamictal that caused me to go manic this morning, im pretty convinced it >was… > Well, I hope so too..

it hasnt happened again… i think it was a manic episode thats been building up, aggravated by taking 3 ssris on an empty stomach and then getting low blood sugar from not eating (which always makes me manic)… > BTW: do you also take benzo’s to sleep? I just did, that’s why i think of > it.. > I really enyoy this posting late at night, but I think I’d better go to bed > earlier. > Stupid thing is that I was tired all evening, but around midnight, when i > wanted to go to sleep, I finally felt energy..and I enyoy that…

yeah.. i know the feeling… i stay up too late because i feel like shit during the day but feel great after midnight, and of course that winds up the BP more and more…. i take benzos very rarely for sleep – mainly cos it could easily get habit forming – but if i’ve had a really bad nightmare that leaves me having panic attack as i wake, i take one.. or sometimes if i just cant sleep and im desperate and tense.. (but usually i just turn on the laptop computer and write … > Knuffel

en een dikke knuffel terug! m~ — free the cheese!!!

Response:

"ME" wrote > Hi hi hi, > Yeah. Good to be back, good to *see* all of you. > After a few no-connection-days, I went to my boyriend, stayed there for a > week, and now I’m back home (and I took my boyfriend with me).

Kewl Say hello from me > Well, last months was a bit down, but I’m getting better and better and took > my studybooks again today.. Didn’t do much, but I’m very very happy that I > care about studying, that I try…

Aww hon that’s so great – I am so happy for you > I probably had some problems lately because my lithiumlevel was to high, but > from now on things can only get better!!!

Yeah ) > By the way: i love ansewering questions (especially because i do not have > much to say today, so answering is easier..) > How are you doing now?? (i read you were doing not so well)

Yeah… welll…. I had a ugly mixed episode and then a crash – sorta recovering from that now. At the moment I’m really tired and slow because I have a fever and a nasty cold.  But I guess I’m okay And the sun’s out Warm huggles, TK

Response:

> hey its really nice to hear things are still going so well with you and > your boyfriend … not such good news from my side, we split up 4-5 > months ago, oh well, still good friends tho

Ohhh… I’m so sorry to hear that..(((((((((((((((((((((((((m))))))))))))))))))))))))) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > m – liberating cheese while waiting for my life’s work to copy itself > across the network to the desktop machine…. arggh…. i love this > computing stuff really…. (sometimes?)….. >>yeah lovely to see you back >>m~ > Thanks!!! ((((((((((((((((((((((m))))))))))))))))))))) >>>{{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} >>>Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now > >>>Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? >>>Any news? Wow are you? >>>Lots of questions? Do you mind? >>>Hugggggggs, >>>TK >>– >>free the cheese!!! > — > free the cheese!

Response:

>>hey its really nice to hear things are still going so well with you and >your boyfriend … not such good news from my side, we split up 4-5 >months ago, oh well, still good friends tho > Ohhh… I’m so sorry to hear > that..(((((((((((((((((((((((((m)))))))))))))))))))))))))

thanks hon… its okay now… it was pretty devastating at the time tho,   was a major part of why i had that huge depressive breakdown… but im okay now…. well, too okay, still quite high, but not buzzing like earlier! got the network going too… yay! hope you’re doing okay too hon, glad you got the lithium sorted out im up to 50mg lamictal now, he says thats a basic therapeutic dose so we shall see what happens… im only hoping it was my ssri’s and not the lamictal that caused me to go manic this morning, im pretty convinced it was… well ive been heading for a manic phase for a while, my pdoc commented on it and suggested i cut out one of my ssri tablets if i get too high… huggles m~ — free the cheese!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->>hey its really nice to hear things are still going so well with you and >>your boyfriend … not such good news from my side, we split up 4-5 >>months ago, oh well, still good friends tho > Ohhh… I’m so sorry to hear > that..(((((((((((((((((((((((((m))))))))))))))))))))))))) > thanks hon… its okay now… it was pretty devastating at the time tho, >   was a major part of why i had that huge depressive breakdown… but im > okay now…. well, too okay, still quite high, but not buzzing like > earlier! got the network going too… yay! > hope you’re doing okay too hon, glad you got the lithium sorted out > im up to 50mg lamictal now, he says thats a basic therapeutic dose so we > shall see what happens…

I’m sooooo curious.. >im only hoping it was my ssri’s and not the >lamictal that caused me to go manic this morning, im pretty convinced it >was…

Well, I hope so too.. >well ive been heading for a manic phase for a while, my pdoc >commented on it and suggested i cut out one of my ssri tablets if i get > too high…

BTW: do you also take benzo’s to sleep? I just did, that’s why i think of it.. I really enyoy this posting late at night, but I think I’d better go to bed earlier. Stupid thing is that I was tired all evening, but around midnight, when i wanted to go to sleep, I finally felt energy..and I enyoy that… Knuffel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> huggles > m~ > — > free the cheese!

Response:

{{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? Any news? Wow are you? Lots of questions? Do you mind? Hugggggggs, TK

Response:

yeah lovely to see you back m~ > {{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} > Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now > Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? > Any news? Wow are you? > Lots of questions? Do you mind? > Hugggggggs, > TK

– free the cheese!!!

Response:

Hi hi hi, Yeah. Good to be back, good to *see* all of you. After a few no-connection-days, I went to my boyriend, stayed there for a week, and now I’m back home (and I took my boyfriend with me).. Well, last months was a bit down, but I’m getting better and better and took my studybooks again today.. Didn’t do much, but I’m very very happy that I care about studying, that I try… I probably had some problems lately because my lithiumlevel was to high, but from now on things can only get better!!! By the way: i love ansewering questions (especially because i do not have much to say today, so answering is easier..) How are you doing now?? (i read you were doing not so well) (((((((((((((((((((((((TK)))))))))))))))))))))))))) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> {{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} > Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now > Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? > Any news? Wow are you? > Lots of questions? Do you mind? > Hugggggggs, > TK

Response:

> yeah lovely to see you back > m~

Thanks!!! ((((((((((((((((((((((m))))))))))))))))))))) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> {{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} > Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now > Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? > Any news? Wow are you? > Lots of questions? Do you mind? > Hugggggggs, > TK > — > free the cheese!!!

Response:

hey its really nice to hear things are still going so well with you and your boyfriend … not such good news from my side, we split up 4-5 months ago, oh well, still good friends tho m – liberating cheese while waiting for my life’s work to copy itself across the network to the desktop machine…. arggh…. i love this computing stuff really…. (sometimes?)….. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->yeah lovely to see you back >m~ > Thanks!!! ((((((((((((((((((((((m))))))))))))))))))))) >>{{{{ Marie-Elise }}}}} >>Hey it’s great to see you again!!! – so good your connection is okay now > >>Where have you been? Did you stay with your boyfriend? >>Any news? Wow are you? >>Lots of questions? Do you mind? >>Hugggggggs, >>TK >– >free the cheese!!!

– free the cheese!

Response:

Question:

hi andy, its worth getting it checked out – they usually say you should be monitored closely if taking an ssri if you get manic…. i havent come across this myself but i know ssri’s can cause sleep disturbances, usually difficulty sleeping… one question – when do you take the Zispin? if you’re taking it at night, maybe try taking it in the morning – i was told to take my ssri (zoloft) in the morning because it tends to be stimulant and can cause difficulty sleeping. i found myself having very surreal dreams while taking valproate – but thats a mood stabiliser so it functions in a different way. best to get it checked by your pdoc. good luck m > NEW TO THE GROUP..Zispin has been the first anti-depressant (of > many)to have had more positive than negative effects on me. However, i > have noticed lately (been on 30mg for 9 months) i have been wakening > thro the night during "out of bed experiences". eg searching thro > wardropes/drawers looking for, i dont know what. > I was wondering if anybody else has had similar on this drug or is it > a sign of impending mania???  I dont take prophylactics like lithium > as im extremely sensitive to medications but have been moderately > depressed for almost three years now (since my last "high").   Thanks > in advance for any feedback. >  sorry but im new to this computer interface stuff

–  

Question:

I am on xanax & zoloft already. Today my Dr also gave me risperdal. She almost went with lithium. Does anyone know anything about risperdal?

Response:

Hi, > I am on xanax & zoloft already. Today my Dr also gave me risperdal. She > almost went with lithium. Does anyone know anything about risperdal?

Risperdal is an newer antipsychotic medication. It is used for psychotic symptoms that may accopnay a manic episode. MS are the first line treatment for people with BP illness. ADs alone have the potential of triggering mania. Peace, Reach beyond your grasp!

Response:

I have been on and off Risperidal for almost 3 years. It really helps me. It’s not as sedating as the other anti-psychotics, and for me anyways, I don;t feel lke a zombie(though sometimes I’d like to).

Response:

>Well, I just had a Dr appt. today and she gave me zoloft. I have also been on >xanax for 3 weeks. What will zoloft do for me? side effects? I have panic >attacks and depression but they want to work on the panic first. If both drugs >are for panic, why do i need both? How will zoloft make me feel? Will i tell a >difference?

Zoloft is a SSRI antidepressant, but one that is (typically: YMMV) mildly sedating. It also has some effects on panic. It takes a while to take hold, therefore the Xanax. I’ve been on that combination at one time in the past.

Response:

Try the County, I don’t know which one your in, but they pay all for me and I get a fee waiver for psych. appts., therapy and meds. They rarely say no to anyone.  USUALLY!!!

Response:

Well, I just had a Dr appt. today and she gave me zoloft. I have also been on xanax for 3 weeks. What will zoloft do for me? side effects? I have panic attacks and depression but they want to work on the panic first. If both drugs are for panic, why do i need both? How will zoloft make me feel? Will i tell a difference? Also, I do not work b/c of my panic attacks. I have not worked in 6yrs b/c i had a child and stayed home with him and since Aug 97 my attacks are so bad i CANNOT work. I have no insurance & do not qualify for state & fed. help because I live with my fiance. He makes little so we cannot afford ins. Someone told me to try ssi. Would they help? I have only been on meds for 3 weeks.

Response:

                    DE  DIGITALE  STAD Op 26 Feb 1999, MandMandM3 schreef: > Well, I just had a Dr appt. today and she gave me zoloft. I have also been on > xanax for 3 weeks. What will zoloft do for me? side effects? I have panic > attacks and depression but they want to work on the panic first. If both drugs > are for panic, why do i need both? How will zoloft make me feel? Will i tell a

Zoloft is an SSRI. SSRIs are useful in panic disorders. However it will take 3 to 8 weeks before benefit of SSRIs in panic disorder may be noticed. Xanax is a benzodiazepine, they are useful in panic disorders and work immediately. Because SSRIs can actually cause a slight worsening of symptoms in the beginning of therapy, your doc might have decided to give Xanax as well, so overcoming this first period will be easier, and the effects of the therapy are noted faster. Benzodiazepines are also the basis of treatment of panic disorders, and you’ve received the famous SSRI combo for panic disorder. It’s quite common, my guess is that if this proves to be not effective enough after dosage adjustments and all he will add buspirone (buspar), fenfluramine, trazodone or nefazodone. The first of those being the more likely. > difference? Also, I do not work b/c of my panic attacks. I have not worked in > 6yrs b/c i had a child and stayed home with him and since Aug 97 my attacks are > so bad i CANNOT work. I have no insurance & do not qualify for state & fed. > help because I live with my fiance. He makes little so we cannot afford ins. > Someone told me to try ssi. Would they help? I have only been on meds for 3

It might still take some weeks before the benefits of the treatment become apparent, and maybe even more if the meds need to be adjusted. Be patient, panic disorder is treatable. Taking your meds spaced over the day, and drinking no or almost no coffee can increase the effectiveness of treatment. > weeks.

GreetinX & Good Luck !        X        X       Bas p.s: There’s a newsgroup called alt.support.anxiety.panic which is on this type of disease. I consider you welcome here, but they might be able to give you more support.

Response:

Question:

I read up on this.   Most likely nothing bad will happen, since your already tappering your SSRI, you won’t have enough drug in your system to interact dangerously.  I’ve seen a study where they combine a SSRI with 5-HTP(tryptophan) and nothing bad was reported.  Same study with st. johns wort and Kava.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was taking 40mg of celexa per day and I have weaned myself down to > 20mg. I have felt better, personally, I think 60mg would be a better > dose. > Anyway, in an attempt to "go natural"  and avoid the side effects of > SSRIS, > I have obtained some 500mg tryptophan tablets. Only 50. > Anyway, can I add tryptophan while reducing Celexa or will I die a > horrible death ? LOL > What tryptophan dosage would most resemble 40mg of celexa ? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Dear Never Mind, > I think everyone’s experience can be very different. > I withdrew from celexa, slowly in two week increments. > 20mg / 10mg / 5mgs  by cutting the tablets into halves > than quarters.  But your question about tryptophan > I can answer, I suggest you contact your doctor or > pharmacist. > Take care of yourself, > Julie > I was taking 40mg of celexa per day and I have weaned myself down to > 20mg. I have felt better, personally, I think 60mg would be a better > dose. > Anyway, in an attempt to "go natural"  and avoid the side effects of > SSRIS, > I have obtained some 500mg tryptophan tablets. Only 50. > Anyway, can I add tryptophan while reducing Celexa or will I die a > horrible death ? LOL > What tryptophan dosage would most resemble 40mg of celexa ? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks

My Dr wouldnt know ANYTHING about tryptophan.

Response:

I was taking 40mg of celexa per day and I have weaned myself down to 20mg. I have felt better, personally, I think 60mg would be a better dose. Anyway, in an attempt to "go natural"  and avoid the side effects of SSRIS, I have obtained some 500mg tryptophan tablets. Only 50. Anyway, can I add tryptophan while reducing Celexa or will I die a horrible death ? LOL What tryptophan dosage would most resemble 40mg of celexa ? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Response:

Does anyone have any comments or is this board just a wasteland of spam ?

Response:

Dear Never Mind, I think everyone’s experience can be very different. I withdrew from celexa, slowly in two week increments. 20mg / 10mg / 5mgs  by cutting the tablets into halves than quarters.  But your question about tryptophan I can answer, I suggest you contact your doctor or pharmacist. Take care of yourself, Julie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I was taking 40mg of celexa per day and I have weaned myself down to > 20mg. I have felt better, personally, I think 60mg would be a better > dose. > Anyway, in an attempt to "go natural"  and avoid the side effects of > SSRIS, > I have obtained some 500mg tryptophan tablets. Only 50. > Anyway, can I add tryptophan while reducing Celexa or will I die a > horrible death ? LOL > What tryptophan dosage would most resemble 40mg of celexa ? > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks

Response:

Question:

I have a hypomanic reaction to SSRIs. Is there anything out there that doesn’t lead to hypomania in those of us that are prone toward it? Louise

Response:

> I have a hypomanic reaction to SSRIs. > Is there anything out there that doesn’t lead to hypomania in those of > us that are prone toward it? > Louise

I have the same problem with SSRI and tried Serzone (no hypomanic reaction but made me sleep all the time) and Manerix (moclobemide), a good antidepressant with very little side effects that is not available in the US. alias.p

Response:

> I have a hypomanic reaction to SSRIs. > Is there anything out there that doesn’t lead to hypomania in those of > us that are prone toward it? > Louise

I understand that the new direction of anti-depressants, after patents expire soon such as on prozac, will actually be a backwards direction, towards tricyclics. You might explore those, and also consider that wellburtin (is supposed to) effects dopamine rather than seratonin. I believe wellbutrin is more commonly prescribed to patients who might experience (hypo)mania. You also need to discuss these things with your doctor.

Response:

That’s odd since Wellbutrin is definitely one of the speediest of current ADs, often causing insomnia in fact.

Response:

> That’s odd since Wellbutrin is definitely one of the speediest of current ADs, > often causing insomnia in fact.

What’s even more odd, is that neurontin is used as a mood stabilizer, yet causes almost immediate hypomania. They might use it as an anti depressant now, I’m not sure.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a hypomanic reaction to SSRIs. > Is there anything out there that doesn’t lead to hypomania in those of > us that are prone toward it? > Louise > I understand that the new direction of anti-depressants, after patents > expire soon such as on prozac, will actually be a backwards direction, > towards tricyclics. You might explore those, and also consider that > wellburtin (is supposed to) effects dopamine rather than seratonin. I > believe wellbutrin is more commonly prescribed to patients who might > experience (hypo)mania. > You also need to discuss these things with your doctor.

I took Wellbutrin a while ago and was so-o-o-o irritable I couldn’t stand myself! Louise

Response:

Question:

hi Carol… a lot of what you are mentioning is mentioned in the book "Prozac Backlash". I picked up a copy of it and read it. The author describes the pharmacology of the meds and exactly how they impact the neurotransmitters in our brains. Here is a link to the book from amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0743200624/qid=1018763310/sr=8… sr_8_3_1/104-2453826-0711126 After about 10 years on SSRIs, I also – can’t find the right words at times – will lose my train of thought mid-sentence. It’s like my brain just shuts off. – my reading comprehension is poor; I have to re-read things numerous times to fully comprehend them – my memory/retention is extremely poor, both short term and long term However, SSRIs and my other meds keep me balanced enough to be a "work in progress". Without them I am just a depressed, dull grey canvas. Thanks for sharing, Carol. You express yourself extremely well. — regards, Compucat  >^+^<

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> For me, it isn’t a question.  I am my mid-20’s and am pretty positive > that I’ve experienced subtle brain damage after taking SSRI’s for 3 > years and quitting them over a year ago.  Just curious, anyone notice > the following "bad brain" effects after quitting medication: > 1.) Decreased vividness and memory of dreams (or no dreams at all.) > yes.  I rarely dream anymore. > 2.) Trouble finding words > yes. I notice when talking to people that I frequently grope for words > and have trouble quickly coming up with something to say.  My mind has > completely lost its agility and quickness, though I find writing to be > somewhat easier.  When people are speaking to me, or joking around, I > have trouble keeping up. (This wasn’t the case prior to the meds) > 3.) Trouble with fine-motor coordination > yes.  My handwriting has taken on a shaky look, and I have more > trouble with needlepoint and guitar. > 4.) Decreased imagination > yes.  I feel permanently trapped in the mundanity of the present.  My > world has taken on an increasingly flat appearance (I’ve considered > aging to be a possible cause, but I’m only 26, and I notice these > difficulties run almost directly parallel to the timing of the > medication.)  I’ve been off meds for over a year and notice almost > zero improvement in my word-retention and ability to ‘imagine’ things > (I wish I could explain this better…It just feels as though my > thoughts have to push through caramel in order to get through!) > 5.) Decreased memory > yes. both short and long-term > 6.) Deadened emotions > yes.  I feel as though the pleasure center in my brain is partially > gone, although  I can still enjoy food and drink. > That’s just a few of the effects I’ve noticed.  Some are more subtle > than others.  Anyone else experience this? > Note: This is not to discourage the use of medication.  I would not be > alive today if it weren’t for the need for an SSRI to intervene as I > was in a major crisis in school and was seriously considering suicide. > The mistake I made was continuing with the medication long after > things stabilized. > Although not exactly brain dead (though I experience moments in > darkness wondering how I will ever form a meaningful friendship in > the limited shell of consciousness that I’m in) I am definitely NOT > the same person that I used to be prior to the medication.  I feel > like a zombie emotionally.  I cannot remember things nearly as well I > used to, and frequently call off gatherings with family and friends > because I cannot fake this emotion for long.  I have also become very > inarticulate (as my prose here doesn’t exactly show–or perhaps it > does?)  My most significant problem is the inability to utter a > complete sentence without stumbling at least once.  DO NOT tell me > this is just anxiety or depression—I NEVER had this problem before. > It feels too real and bizarre to be a product of my imagination. > I feel dreadfully inarticulate.  I would do anything to get my mental > powers back. > It amazes me that even my own doctor scoffs at the possibility that > the meds caused permanent damage, though I guess I shouldn’t be > surprised since he’s being paid a handsome sum to prescribe.  Perhaps > I should consult a neurologist instead? > That’s enough for now.  (The meds I took were Zoloft and Paxil.) > Or maybe it isn’t the meds (as my psychiatrist stated?)  Could I have > the gene for early Alzheimers? > Somehow I doubt it.  This decline has *only* been within the last 2 > years and seems to mirror (coincidentally) the timing of my usage of > SSRIs. > Thanks for reading this.  Any feedback would be appreciated. > Carol

Response:

> 1.) Decreased vividness and memory of dreams (or no dreams at all.)

no… quite the opposite.. i have recurrent nightmares all the time…possibly this is a side effect of my mood stabiliser i’ve just started on as well (sodium valproate… anyone heard of that effect before?) > 2.) Trouble finding words

yes, definately – although this for me is also a symtom of my depression and mania… i also have become a bit dyslexic/dyspraxic…. > 3.) Trouble with fine-motor coordination

no… this was one of my biggest concerns as i’m a professional musician and graphic artist… my spelling / coordination for typing are shocking at the moment thoug… > 4.) Decreased imagination

no… again, see above… although i do have difficulty with concentration… particularly on high doses… i wonder if it depends on the medications? i’m on Sertraline (zoloft)… i wonder if Prozac tends more towards these side fx…? > 5.) Decreased memory

definately, especially on high doses. again its part of my depression/mania too, so its confusing to isolate. > 6.) Deadened emotions

strangely im the opposite. only when i’ve been really depressed and needed to go on a high dose (like now) have i felt deadening of emotions… and i’ve only stayed on high doses briefly. but i have totally lost the taste for food…. hth. take care m — ~~~~~>><:>~~~~~ iriXx "sometimes i get overcharged thats when you see sparks you ask me where the hell i’m going at a thousand feet per second…" radiohead – the tourist

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > informed me of this: > < My most significant problem is the inability to utter a > <complete sentence without stumbling at least once. > I have this problem when I become manic. It could be possible that > these symptoms you see now are things that would have come to be with > or without an AD. You need to talk to a pdoc about it, tho he is > likely to be bias. The deadening of emotion is not a normal affect of > ADs, but people have some strange side effects and you are not the > first here to think that they have had permanent changes in brain > function caused by meds and the increase in tremors in the fingers and > hands is pretty common thing to see increase. See the doctor. > xp

actually i get this when im manic as well, along with poor concentration… i also get problems with concentration with depression… so the SSRIs have actually helped there, in a way… more later… m — ~~~~~>><:>~~~~~ iriXx "sometimes i get overcharged thats when you see sparks you ask me where the hell i’m going at a thousand feet per second…" radiohead – the tourist

Response:

For me, it isn’t a question.  I am my mid-20’s and am pretty positive that I’ve experienced subtle brain damage after taking SSRI’s for 3 years and quitting them over a year ago.  Just curious, anyone notice the following "bad brain" effects after quitting medication: 1.) Decreased vividness and memory of dreams (or no dreams at all.) yes.  I rarely dream anymore. 2.) Trouble finding words yes. I notice when talking to people that I frequently grope for words and have trouble quickly coming up with something to say.  My mind has completely lost its agility and quickness, though I find writing to be somewhat easier.  When people are speaking to me, or joking around, I have trouble keeping up. (This wasn’t the case prior to the meds) 3.) Trouble with fine-motor coordination yes.  My handwriting has taken on a shaky look, and I have more trouble with needlepoint and guitar. 4.) Decreased imagination yes.  I feel permanently trapped in the mundanity of the present.  My world has taken on an increasingly flat appearance (I’ve considered aging to be a possible cause, but I’m only 26, and I notice these difficulties run almost directly parallel to the timing of the medication.)  I’ve been off meds for over a year and notice almost zero improvement in my word-retention and ability to ‘imagine’ things (I wish I could explain this better…It just feels as though my thoughts have to push through caramel in order to get through!) 5.) Decreased memory yes. both short and long-term 6.) Deadened emotions yes.  I feel as though the pleasure center in my brain is partially gone, although  I can still enjoy food and drink. That’s just a few of the effects I’ve noticed.  Some are more subtle than others.  Anyone else experience this? Note: This is not to discourage the use of medication.  I would not be alive today if it weren’t for the need for an SSRI to intervene as I was in a major crisis in school and was seriously considering suicide. The mistake I made was continuing with the medication long after things stabilized. Although not exactly brain dead (though I experience moments in darkness wondering how I will ever form a meaningful friendship in the limited shell of consciousness that I’m in) I am definitely NOT the same person that I used to be prior to the medication.  I feel like a zombie emotionally.  I cannot remember things nearly as well I used to, and frequently call off gatherings with family and friends because I cannot fake this emotion for long.  I have also become very inarticulate (as my prose here doesn’t exactly show–or perhaps it does?)  My most significant problem is the inability to utter a complete sentence without stumbling at least once.  DO NOT tell me this is just anxiety or depression—I NEVER had this problem before. It feels too real and bizarre to be a product of my imagination. I feel dreadfully inarticulate.  I would do anything to get my mental powers back.   It amazes me that even my own doctor scoffs at the possibility that the meds caused permanent damage, though I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since he’s being paid a handsome sum to prescribe.  Perhaps I should consult a neurologist instead? That’s enough for now.  (The meds I took were Zoloft and Paxil.)   Or maybe it isn’t the meds (as my psychiatrist stated?)  Could I have the gene for early Alzheimers? Somehow I doubt it.  This decline has *only* been within the last 2 years and seems to mirror (coincidentally) the timing of my usage of SSRIs. Thanks for reading this.  Any feedback would be appreciated. Carol

Response:

Question:

i heard this on a movie one time.  does this really help some people, or is it bullshit?  i had side effects which included severe panic attacks.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->i heard this on a movie one time.  does this really help some people, or is >it >bullshit?  i had side effects which included severe panic attacks. >If youre having panic attacks from meds your Pdoc needs to know that. One >thing >you should know in case you are taking SSRIs by any chance is that SSRIs can >worsen anxiety in panic prone individuals during the first couple weeks. Then >the anti-panic effect of the SSRIs kicks in usually and you start feeling >relaxed. >Many times Pdocs will prescribe a benzo to help you get thru the first couple >weeks of an SSRI, like Klonopin. >Eric >Basic course in logic 101: >Psychiatry is bullshit…psychiatrists are full of shit

Eric no offense pal, but are you really that nice, or really that stupid? Either way, I pray for you my friend.  But honestly, no offense, did those ECT procedures work for the best?  I believe that post, made by MaryPoppedCherry (which is a hint right there) was just a JOKE.  Common sense will take you a long way, but hell, maybe I should try those ECT’s, maybe just shocking the common sense out of me would be a better way of living.  I guess i’d rather be dumb and happy than to be living in this stresszone.

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>ome people are labeled NICE because their STUPID

some people are labeled nice because THEIR stupid?  Umm try THEY’RE! practice what you preech! LMFAO Jason

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->ome people are labeled NICE because their STUPID >some people are labeled nice because THEIR stupid?  Umm try THEY’RE! >practice what you preech! >LMFAO >Jason

sue me, i hated english and literature!  ohhhhh let me put more time in my usenet postings, pull out my dictionary and spell checker and make sure my posts are very articulate.   there, they’re out now!  oops, i just found a problem Jason, my dictionary says that there isn’t a definition for PREECH. Also, learn how to highlight text why don’t ya! ps:  practice what you PREACH

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> sue me, i hated english and literature!  ohhhhh let me put more time in my > usenet postings, pull out my dictionary and spell checker and make sure my > posts are very articulate.   > there, they’re out now!  oops, i just found a problem Jason, my dictionary says > that there isn’t a definition for PREECH. > Also, learn how to highlight text why don’t ya! > ps:  practice what you PREACH

Uummm…..he spelled it "preech" on purpose lmao! — Amelia

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>Many times Pdocs will prescribe a benzo to help you get thru the first couple >weeks of an SSRI, like Klonopin.

Bullshit, drug pusher, prove it.

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>maybe I should try those ECT’s, maybe just shocking the >common sense out of me would be a better way of living.

No, it popular in NC though.

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>Eric no offense pal, but are you really that nice, or really that stupid?

Stupid

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>Uummm…..he spelled it "preech" on purpose lmao!

Mind reader?

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>If youre having panic attacks from meds your Pdoc needs to know that.

A sign meds are fucked up.

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>sue me, i hated english and literature!  ohhhhh let me put more time in my >usenet postings, pull out my dictionary and spell checker and make sure my >posts are very articulate.  

Eric?

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>Many times Pdocs will prescribe a benzo to help you get thru the first couple >weeks of an SSRI, like Klonopin.

Squiggles?

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>SSRIs by any chance is that SSRIs can >worsen anxiety in panic prone individuals during the first couple weeks.

They can worsen panic PERIOD.

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> >Uummm…..he spelled it "preech" on purpose lmao! > Mind reader?

Yea. Why do you ask? — Amelia

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> >> Mind reader? >Yea. >Why do you ask? > If you are a mind reader, why are you asking? LOL

I slipped. Back on track now though. Damn. — Amelia

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Question:

If you look at that dog link I just sent, take a good look at "home" and check any country in the world that has deaf dogs — what do they all have in common? Almost every single one is white or white with black, blue-eyed, Great Dane, Pit or Staff, or Dalmatian — Incredible!  you wouldn’t dare say that of people who are deaf for example. Squiggles

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> If you look at that dog link I just sent, take a good > look at "home" and check any country in the world > that has deaf dogs — what do they all have in common? > Almost every single one is white or white with black, > blue-eyed, Great Dane, Pit or Staff, or Dalmatian —

Squiggles, In some breeds the white is due to a recessive gene or genes that is somehow linked to deafness. I understand that deafness is quite common in all white cats. I don’t think there is any relationship between the color of a dog’s hair and deafness in people.

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> Im thinking of getting a dog. Id get one as a puppy and train it to hate all > anti-psychiatry assholes. Id put my dog on SSRIs too, just to piss you people > off. > Eric >Squiggles, In some breeds the white is due to a recessive gene or genes >that is somehow linked to deafness. I understand that deafness is quite >common in all white cats. I don’t think there is any relationship between >the color of a dog’s hair and deafness in people.

No, I didn’t mean that deafness in people and dog’s hair are related; I meant that certain qualities (and not just one) are linked; that’s significant in gene determination because, it is not just ONE gene, but several that seem to be linked. Squiggles as for Eric’s dog, I wonder what he’ll name it

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In testing many baby animals were found not to react to being pulled from their mothers after they were on SSRI’s.  Obviously your SSRI dosed dog would be incapable of the hate you desire.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Im thinking of getting a dog. Id get one as a puppy and train it to hate all > anti-psychiatry assholes. Id put my dog on SSRIs too, just to piss you people > off. > Eric >Squiggles, In some breeds the white is due to a recessive gene or genes >that is somehow linked to deafness. I understand that deafness is quite >common in all white cats. I don’t think there is any relationship between >the color of a dog’s hair and deafness in people. > Im insane because psychiatry made me this way > Steroids caused my depression…prednisone should be used conservatively

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Question:

Has anyone on this newsgroup attempted to discontinue his or her SSRI by switching to St. John’s Wort? Dr, Hyla Cass, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, has authored a book (copyright 1998) in which she promotes the use of St. John’s Wort for depression and has a protocol for switching from an antidepressant to St. John’s Wort. My question is whether anyone has attempted such a trasnsition and were you successful in the switch? I know there is a question of lack of FDA regulation, but several of the name brands (Kira, Movana) are reputable (Kira even being imported from Germany) Thank you very much for any replies.

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Thanks for info bout the book. I stopped the SSRI’s a year ago.. I managed to keep the worse of the black dog at bay, by using vitamins and supplements,  exercise, changing diet to low carb gluten free diet, and rejecting relations with toxic people. If I dont take vitamins and supplements.  or dont exercise or I go off my diet,  or I engage in communications with any Toxic people.. my mood starts deflating quickly.. I been considering trying SJW to see if it will keep my mood stablized even if I do have to deal with say,  toxic people. Right now in my real life..I can choose not to deal with toxics..  but say I go back to work..and their coworkers… I will HAVE to be able to deal with them without such dealings causing my mood to sink.. So, thanks again for name of a helpful book..

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Has anyone on this newsgroup attempted to discontinue his or her SSRI > by switching to St. John’s Wort? > Dr, Hyla Cass, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the > UCLA School of Medicine, has authored a book (copyright 1998) in which > she promotes the use of St. John’s Wort for depression and has a > protocol for switching from an antidepressant to St. John’s Wort. > My question is whether anyone has attempted such a trasnsition and > were you successful in the switch? > I know there is a question of lack of FDA regulation, but several of > the name brands (Kira, Movana) are reputable (Kira even being imported > from Germany) > Thank you very much for any replies.

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>Has anyone on this newsgroup attempted to discontinue his or her SSRI >by switching to St. John’s Wort? >Dr, Hyla Cass, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the >UCLA School of Medicine, has authored a book (copyright 1998) in which >she promotes the use of St. John’s Wort for depression and has a >protocol for switching from an antidepressant to St. John’s Wort. >My question is whether anyone has attempted such a trasnsition and >were you successful in the switch? >I know there is a question of lack of FDA regulation, but several of >the name brands (Kira, Movana) are reputable (Kira even being imported >from Germany)

St. John’s wort doesn’t work.  There have been several clinical trials and not one has proved conclusively that it works.  Many people here have tried it and eventually went to a doctor for SSRIs.  I tried it for a month or two and it made me feel very strange.  I currently take Effexor and would not try St. John’s wort again.

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Question:

> My son used to take Celexa and I believe he took it in the morning.  It > couldn’t hurt for you to try for a few days and see what happens.  I always > take my prozac in the morning, but then the pdoc recommends that as well.

i take an SSRI too, sertraline (Zoloft)… i was told to take it in the morning because SSRIs have a mild stimulant effect and can cause sleep disturbance if you take them at night… what matters i think is that you take them at the same time each day, regardless of when… hugs m — ~~~~~~>><:>~~~~~~ iriXx " you can try the best you can    you can try the best you can …the best you can is good enough" radiohead: optomistic

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hi there.. Here is my current med regime – my question follows: Morning: 37.5 mg Effexor  <— am being weaned off this, won’t take it next week              900 mg Gabapentin Evening:  50 mg. Celexa              1200 mg. Gabapentin Okay you Celexa folks, do you take your Celexa in the morning on in the evening? I am starting to think it may not be the best med for me to take at night as I am not sleeping well. I get 3-4 hours very light sleep if I don’t take a sleep med, or 5 – 6 hours of a deeper sleep if I give in and take 7.5 mg. Imovane (Canadian non-benzodiazepine sleep med). Gabapentin folks – do you think it is the Gabapentin keeping me on such a light sleep regime? thanks so much everyone, Compucat  >^+^<

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hi there.. > Here is my current med regime – my question follows: > Morning: 37.5 mg Effexor  <— am being weaned off this, won’t take it next > week >              900 mg Gabapentin > Evening:  50 mg. Celexa >              1200 mg. Gabapentin > Okay you Celexa folks, do you take your Celexa in the morning on in the > evening? I am starting to think it may not be the best med for me to take at > night as I am not sleeping well. I get 3-4 hours very light sleep if I don’t > take a sleep med, or 5 – 6 hours of a deeper sleep if I give in and take 7.5 > mg. Imovane (Canadian non-benzodiazepine sleep med).

My son used to take Celexa and I believe he took it in the morning.  It couldn’t hurt for you to try for a few days and see what happens.  I always take my prozac in the morning, but then the pdoc recommends that as well. > Gabapentin folks – do you think it is the Gabapentin keeping me on such a > light sleep regime?

Fo me I am having a lot of trouble with neurontin (gabapentin) making me sleepy.  I take a larger dose of it at bedtime and it usually helps me to sleep better.  But then that just shows how different we all are with the same meds. I hope your sleep gets better soon Compucat. Bonnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> thanks so much everyone, > Compucat  >^+^<

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