Posted by IsoM on November 15, 2002, at 14:22:27
In reply to Re: prozac/effexor=dendrite shrinkage?, posted by reb on November 15, 2002, at 12:00:21
Reb, I'm not dismissing your concerns but would like to tell you a bit about my experiences that may put some of your fears to rest.
I've been taking anti-depressants for 17 years now. I first started with tricyclics like imipramine, went on to SSRIs when they came out as the side-effects from TCAs were bothersome. At three separate times, I decided to stop all ADs but the black void opened each time again so I'm now resigned to taking them for the rest of my life.
For these last 17 years, my immune system has never changed - I still don't get colds or infections. My arthritis (from injured joints) hasn't changed for the worse or better. My weight has remained roughly the same - no gain or loss. My physical health & fitness has remained excellent except for problems I've had for many years previously (migraines & joint pains).
As for my mental capacities, I'd say it's much better now. By treating my depression, it's enabled me to pursue interests that I may not have otherwise. When I went back to university, I still was able to receive top marks. My mind is sharp (I have difficulties with my everyday short-term memory but I always have - I'm very much the absent-minded sort - more an ADD attribute) & my zest & interest in life is still great.
You wrote: "this brings up the idea that sometimes the "cure", when used to long, will cause the afflicted area to atrophy, instead of being strong again. Think of a cast left on too long, or staying in bed too long after an injury without receiving physical therapy. Why should the brain be any different?"
That's a good thing to be aware of but there's way to counter that. Your brain can be "exercised" just like a muscle. Use it or lose it also applies to our mind.
Need ideas?
Brain Exercises: http://me.essortment.com/brainexercises_rcas.htm
Mental Agility Games: http://www.mentalagility.com/games.htm
There are books that are full of tips & exercises, but they're really not necessary. Anything that makes you use your mind is an exercise for your brain. Even odd things we wouldn't think about use our minds.1. Hold a good-sized mirror horizontal (parallel to the floor) & walk about your house using the mirror as your guide. It'll give you a new perspective on how you see your place.
2. Drive a different route to work or the store, or whatever. It doesn't need to be out of the way, just not your regular route. Yes, it uses your brain in a somewhat diff way, forging new links between neurons.
3. If you're not in a hurry, eat your meal with your non-dominant hand.
4. Sing, sing, sing - uses new areas of your brain, combining the language area with a part that's also used for math. Yes, many mathematicians have strong musical skills.
5. If you don't draw, spend a bit of time drawing every week. Nothing fancy, it makes your mind work at transferring a 3-D image into a 2_d form.
6. When you shower, if you normally start on your head & work down, do the opposite.All these small, supposedly silly tasks keep areas of your mind sharp & help improve other cognitive functioning too.
poster:IsoM
thread:127552
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021108/msgs/127800.html