Posted by SLS on May 23, 2005, at 21:30:54
In reply to I'm afraid that ssris ruined my brain, crazy?, posted by owenus32 on May 23, 2005, at 13:44:51
Hi.
> I hope so. After 7 years of being on them I'm afraid that maybe they take over the chemical functions and then maybe my brain can't do it wehn I come off of it?
That is a very logical fear to have, but not necessarily one that has any basis in fact.
I believe that the exposure to a particular drug sets into motion a series of physiological events downstream that result in changes in the way the neurons react to subsequent exposures to that drug. This would help explain why some people do not respond to the same drug once they discontinue it and later restart it. However, this is not the same as creating a condition whereby the brain no longer is capable of working well on its own after a drug is discontinued. If anything, the antidepressant response process coaxes the brain to re-regulate itself so that it can function on its own. The problem lies in the recurrent nature of some people's illnesses. A history of frequent relapses indicates the need for treatment indefinitely, in which case one should not discontinue an effective medication for fear it will not work a second time. Sometimes moving on to another drug will yield success, but sometimes not. It is prudent to continue with treatment, regardless of how well one feels or how long the remission has lasted.
> Please telll me it aint so!
It ain't so.
:-)
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:501752
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050519/msgs/502004.html