Posted by PhoenixGirl on July 1, 2002, at 20:54:59
In reply to Help Antidepressant for Musician , posted by linkadge on July 1, 2002, at 17:31:42
Hi Linkadge. The antidepressants which strongly affect seratonin are the ones that are known to "blunt" your emotions. Apathy is an unfortunate side effect of these drugs. Apathy can also result from mood stabilizers and anti-anxiety drugs. I remember being on tthe seratonin drugs like Celexa, and I couldn't cry, even when I was in terrible emotional pain. Currently I'm taking Depakote (a mood stabilizer), and Klonopin (a benzodiazipine anti-anxiety drug similar to Valium). I have developed some apathy, disinterest, and lack of excitement from these drugs.
Drugs that are less likely to cause apathy and "emotional blunting" are ones like desipramine (it affects mainly norepinephrine), and Wellbutrin (which may affect dopamine and norepinephrine). Note: desipramine is one of the old tricyclics and has side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and others associated with the tricyclics. Also, you may want to try Provigil, which is a unique drug somewhat like stimulants, but has a more even effect. Scientists aren't sure how it works, but it may affect norepinephrine and/or dopamine. I've been on it for about 3 months and have not developed a tolerance to it. Its effects last a few hours after each dose.
When I tried the older, traditional stimulants like ritalin and adderall, tolerance occurred within a few months and they no longer had an effect on me.
Have you tried desipramine, Wellbutrin, or Provigil?p.s. -- I am not a doctor, just a well-informed layperson who has learned a lot about these drugs in my own quest for emotional wellness. Do a little research into these drugs and the apathy side effect. Check up on these ideas with your doctor, too. Also remember that different doctors can have different opinions. That's why I try to stay well-educated about psychiatric care so that I can choose the right psychiatrist and be an active participant in my own treatment.
poster:PhoenixGirl
thread:111150
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020628/msgs/111161.html