![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 51. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mike Lynch on March 31, 2004, at 23:35:16
I am curious about the relation between my overall cognitive functioning and the usage of ssri’s. Here is what I have noticed , before I was on paxil , I had trouble with , concentration , staying on task , I had trouble formulating some of my thoughts into words as well as a poor ability to explain things ( I’d step on my words , forget to add something important so I had to go back to the beginning , just freezing trying to organize my thoughts) , my attention seemed horrible , I spaced out a lot. ( I had these symptoms pretty much my whole life) I was eventually diagnosed with ADD , put on adderall which I have no doubt triggered my depression in some way. Well I was then put on the Paxil and what I only noticed until now is that I became much brighter. First my attention problems seemed to have vanished , I seemed much more alert and attentive. I noticed my vocabulary improved greatly , I could describe things and express myself , without problems.. Have intellectual conversations with ease. I made the assumption that I had just grown out of the add symptoms I was experiencing..
I was really satisfied. After about maybe 4 months of being on the Paxil I noticed I had trouble concentrating , trouble talking to people in a fluent manner , ( stopping a lot , mainly trying to find words to describe what I was saying) I noticed when I tried to write a paper it took my 10 times as long , and I couldn’t describe things as well as I use to. So I attributed this decline to the Paxil , and weened myself off it.
As I look back at it now , it seems the reason for the difficulties I was having on the paxil was not directly attributed to the paxil , but related to it because it most likely just stopped working , which ssri’s are known for. Is it possible for ssri’s to make me brighter in this way??
As of now I feel extremely slow when it comes to everything ( I remember being bad but not this bad) I feel like my brain process’s are going through molasses , my thoughts are delayed and it is really frustrating . When I am talking to someone , my brain seems locked. I know there’s something I want to add to the conversation but it’s just not coming out. Then minutes later the thought will finally pop into my head ( of course it’s to late then). I also have to read something what seems like dozens of time in order to comprehend it. It just seems like all of my thoughts are delayed , someone will tell me something , surprising , or something I’d normally be interested in , but it just wouldn’t register in my mind. Five minutes later , it will click and I’ll all of a sudden become interested in it and start questioning him about it , especially frustrating when the topic has changed. Even when someone tells a joke , it takes a long time to register in my mind , 5 minutes after I’ll be saying to myself , wait a minute that was funny why didn’t I realize that.
Is it possible the Paxil has contributed to these troubles?? It regulates neurotransmitters , and most of the problems I have describes seem like the result of neurotransmitters not working properly ( message being sent to my brain , registering in an unreasonable amount of time) Could the paxil have damaged these receptor sites?? Or does my first theory , about the paxil’s losing it’s effectiveness over time as a result of this decline , seem more accurate. It could be a combination of both . I hope the paxil hasn’t worsened my already poor cognitive ability. I’ve been on the lexapro for about 3 weeks now , I really haven’t noticed a recognizable improvement cognitively. ( I guess mood is stable , but I still don’t feel like myself) I’m just really confused here , any similar experiences or possible explanations would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by snapper on April 1, 2004, at 0:39:01
In reply to ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Mike Lynch on March 31, 2004, at 23:35:16
Mike, samething here ! I have been using AD's off and on for around 13 to 14 yrs. . I totally understand the problem with words and verbal fluency-or lack of - its called word finding difficulties. It really irritates me too that I know that I used to be an extremely bright and what I thought ,intelligent individual... I think some of it is reccuring depression and some of it is ssri poop out > Very Frustrating. It almost feels like semi-retardation.... one thing I am pretty certain of is this: I do not think continued use of AD's will correct this memory,and delayed thought process, problem- I have therorized a lot lately as to weather these meds do damage to our receptors or not and I think they might- just my opinion... Like I have said before which caused which. the dep and thinking problem or the thinking problems and then depression- wish I had more answers for you
Here is one thing to consider--- I know for a fact that high anxiety SEVERELY effects my cognition abilities and am working on various ways to reduce my overall mental and psychic tension... maybe other people here on PB have so good ideas or thoughts on how to get this corrected. I tell my pdoc I have terrible memory problems and he laughs at me- esp short term memory. I feel like I have freakin alzhiemers- there are just too many people out there in thier 20's 30's and 40's to be having such serious cognitive difficulties. If my cognition were better, I could at least hold down a job!
Anyhow if you find out any answers let us all know !
thanks
snapper
Posted by ST on April 1, 2004, at 5:12:43
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by snapper on April 1, 2004, at 0:39:01
You know, I look at it as a trade off. I fumble for words more often, my vocabulary seems like it's hiding half the time, my memory is awful...I'm also lethargic & have almost zero sex drive. I also don't want to kill myself anymore on a daily basis and am able to function and go to work!
I really hope that someday, our choices in meds will be many and that they will work better at isolating the problems they are trying to correct, not creating different ones.
So, yes, there is a big difference in my mental acuity since going on meds.
*sigh*
ST
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 1, 2004, at 8:25:54
In reply to ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Mike Lynch on March 31, 2004, at 23:35:16
To give you a piece of hope, I can say that I've had this problem before and am currently experiencing it a bit. However, it seems to wax and wane. I think it takes quite some time to feel normal after getting off of a med -- part of the problem being, I think, that your brain is waiting for the stimulus it once got from the AD.
Something that seems to work best for me is to 'pulse' my medication -- that is, be on for several days, then off for a few days. That way the positive effect remains without your brain becoming sensitized to the med. I'm sure that's a no-no in the medical community, however.
Posted by zefdie on April 1, 2004, at 13:26:37
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by bookgurl99 on April 1, 2004, at 8:25:54
This problem is driving me crazy. I had it before I went on Wellbutrin and it has only worsened since then. Reading up about Wellbutrin scared me--there seemed to be a high incidence, at least of people on boards such as this, of people losing their language capacity while on buproprion. I've gone off Wellbutrin and am now only on Effexor. I don't feel much of a change in my vocabulary capacity and general slowness yet--Effexor has a history of the same effect, as do all SSRIs/SSNRIs. Everyone's different; I'm just hoping that Effexor, when it really kicks in (I've just started it) helps a little.
I am a writer and this problem is especially troubling to me. It takes FOREVER for me to get the simplest ideas on paper. Complexity escapes me.
What I'm interested in is this: is it possible to mitigate all this in some way by doing logic puzzles, vobaulary building exercises, any kind of "cognitive training"? I'll try anything. If there are supplements or foods I should be eating daily, I want to get on top of that because this is debilitating enough to wreck my career.
I don't really have any advice except to share that these are the solutions I'm looking into. Each SSRI effects each individual differently--you're lucky that Paxil had that effect! Many people have the opposite. I remember when I was put on Zoloft in high school how much brighter and more articulate and more "myself" I felt. I'm hoping Effexor will have the same effect. Sadly, it's hard to tell whether that cognitive slump is the depression or something else--my molasses brain may just stem from bad circumstances, crappy friends, self doubt and an unchallenged mind.
Good luck!
Posted by Mike Lynch on April 1, 2004, at 16:03:26
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by zefdie on April 1, 2004, at 13:26:37
IF it is the meds that have been causing this , my worst fears will have come true. I have been struggling with this for sometime now , just ruminating about the possiblity that I may be like this forever. If it is the meds I hope to god it's not permanent , as this is making my life very hard and frustrating. I feel like I have had my identity sucked away from me , I barely ever talk to any of my friends anymore ( something that use to cheer me up when I was depressed ) now it seems I can't even hold a decent conversation beyond "small talk" I use to enjoy debating about sophisticated issues , now im lucky if I can even debate about what to have for lunch.
Do you think it's possible the damage caused by this drug could correct itself??
I guess I just really need advice as of now , what should my next course of action be?? Should I discontinue the lexapro?? The last thing I want is for my brain to be damaged more , which would only make the depression worse. I can't get better until I solve this problem!
If this drug is indeed impairing are cognitive abilites , how come nothing has been done about this?? A drug that is used for depression , possibly causes brain damage and as a result only worsens the depression!!
I mean the least they could do is put more research into this , millions of people have taken this , it has been on the market for decades and few of these dangers are documented..
I am just extrememly angered by this , I just can't take this anymore.. I just wanna be normal again , I wish I never took the damn drug..I have always concerned for my mental well being , it was the main reason I never did drugs , or alchol. Not it seems the people who did that everyday are completely uneffected while , I am currently sitting here a brain dead moron.
Posted by ST on April 1, 2004, at 16:48:05
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by zefdie on April 1, 2004, at 13:26:37
I took Sam-e for awhile to supplement my meds and I did get sharper. I stopped, because Sam-e can be expensive, but I remember it gave me a physical and mental lift.
I do think verbal games and exercises can help...and coffee (I'm serious)
And it's weird - I have had no problems with Wellbutrin; I know people on it who have had no problems...this is new to me about the Wellbutrin scare. I've been on it about 8 years and I think it's great! I actually think it's my Depakote and my Serzone that slow my thinking.
~ST
Posted by Mike Lynch on April 1, 2004, at 17:12:53
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by ST on April 1, 2004, at 16:48:05
Are all of you guys currently on some ssri , or something similar. Have you ever stopped the medication for a long period of time to see if your cognitive ability would improve , or come back to normal?? I was off it for , what I think might have been a few weeks..but didn't notice any improvement. I'm just wondering if it is possible for my mind to slowly turn back to normal if I discontinue all the meds for good.
Posted by Nanter1 on April 1, 2004, at 17:16:01
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Mike Lynch on April 1, 2004, at 17:12:53
Hi Mike:
I've been off of meds completely for about 9 months now after having been on several different SSRIs over the last 10 years. My cognitive problems (short term memory disturbance, aphasia, spontaneous problem solving difficulties) have persisted ever since cessation.
Not to mention my complete lack of ability to experience excitement anymore.
Ain't this stuff grand? Wish I'd known...
-Nanter1
Posted by zefdie on April 1, 2004, at 17:23:18
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by ST on April 1, 2004, at 16:48:05
Here's where I found the Wellbutrin info. There's an entire thread:
http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum/ADHDF/3.18.982.52PMWellbutrinandCogn
I don't think Wellbutrin is any worse than any other AD; I just think I got the short end when it came to side effects. I never had this problem on SSRIs. Everyone's different, I guess.
Isn't SAM-E contraindicated with some drugs? I'm thinking about trying some kind of stimulant (in addition to coffee) to help out with this. I don't know what else to do. I'm working on a BOOK, so you can imagine what a nightmare this is for me--at this rate it's gonna take 15 years! Not to mention that I don't feel like myself anymore.
Posted by ST on April 2, 2004, at 4:02:59
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning??? (ST), posted by zefdie on April 1, 2004, at 17:23:18
Oy.
Well, perhaps I've gotten used to my slowness.
I have noticed a decrease in my enthusiasm and drive in my career since getting on meds.(I'm an actor and singer - and I'm writing a solo show. It's so true; it takes forever to gather thoughts or form a sentence...) I am no longer severley depressed, however and am quite thankful. Before, the severe depression would inhibit my making strides, but now it seems the slowness and brain "thickness" does. I simply don't know what to do.
I'm bi polar, and most creative bi polars complain that their mood stabilizer has these thickening, fuxxy effects. They often want to go off their stabilizers, but not necessarily their ADs. I'm at 250 mg of Depakote, my md stblzr. This is an incredibly low dosage. Now when I was on 1000 mg, 1500 mg and even 2000 mg of Depakote I was a blob of pudding. I could barely think or speak or express or even move. So I guess this specific type of mental lethary I experience seems "OK" in comaprison.
..Thanks for the link about Welbutrin.
Sarah
Posted by francesco on April 2, 2004, at 14:00:03
In reply to ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Mike Lynch on March 31, 2004, at 23:35:16
Hi Mike, your syntoms are very similar to mine.
The only things that was useful for me in the long term was Anafranil (Clomipramine). If you have adhd, and it seems you have it, TCAs can be very useful and you don't have to wait 2 or 3 weeks. I think the key for this kind of problem is NE-reuptake, and note that also Paxil seems to have (mild) NE-reuptake properties. I responded very poorly to SSRIs, and this is not a surprise, because they're not (generally) indicated for ADHD-like syntoms. Now I'm on Zoloft because I'm a sucker but I'm quite sure it won't do almost anything. Take Care, hope this helps
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 2, 2004, at 18:15:08
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Nanter1 on April 1, 2004, at 17:16:01
>
> I've been off of meds completely for about 9 months now after having been on several different SSRIs over the last 10 years. My cognitive problems (short term memory disturbance, aphasia, spontaneous problem solving difficulties) have persisted ever since cessation.
. . . . . .> Ain't this stuff grand? Wish I'd known...
>
> -Nanter1
>I have a couple of theories about this. One is that, we now know that the brain continues to grow into adulthood -- much longer than was previously believed. In addition, there is a last 'spurt' of brain development occurring around age 22, which is perhaps why around age 22 we start to take on more adult responsibilities. However, most of us probably experience mental illness before that point and so may be on medication while our brain is 'setting' itself for adulthood. It is expecting the SSRI or other med to fill in for a certain function.
However, as the brain rebuilds itself every day (as our whole body does), it may somehow start to fulfill that function -- if given the chance.
My other theory is that, by providing an unexpected stimulus, the AD's tax the body in a way that we don't feel or expect. Think of the side effects experienced -- sweating, heart pounding, memory lapses. These are all experienced by humans when under stress. The body may read AD's as a persistent stressor, even if we feel fine emotionally on them.
So, one common result of persistent stress is 'adrenal fatigue,' having less of a capacity to make epinephrine and noripenephrine. One early symptom of this is mental fogginess, poor memory, etc. What I think is that it may take time and deliberate effort to heal from this taxation on the body after being on AD's for a long time.
My hope is that I can heal by this by abstaining from stimulants, even antidepressants if possible. My real hope is to just be normal again, that we can all be normal again.
Posted by snapper on April 2, 2004, at 20:37:49
In reply to a theory or two, and some hope, posted by bookgurl99 on April 2, 2004, at 18:15:08
Hey bookgurl , I hope your theory is correct. I am trying to exist on as minimal medication as possible right now. Even though I am as depressed as ever -from a bodily and somatic standpoint, I have been through so many meds in 14 years that I am just starting to wonder if my brain really can heal it self ? I don't know I am 37 and don't know if my brain is still growing or not. Only thing, I can hope and pray for. Yes my memory is terible and I am very fatigued and feel hopeless etc, etc , etc. But one thing I do know is this despite all the symptoms of depression being there, I find that my mind can atleast flow better and connect with different ideas and concepts. Hope that makes sense. I think this is because I am not currently taking an Ad- I do take 15mg of remeron to help knock me out, but not to the degree that it would help with my depression and I also take ambien and klonopin. I hope that taking just the ambien and klonopin Is NOT just making my depression worse. Anyhow I just really want to believe that my brain can "right itself"!
I feel like giving up almost every single day !!
BUT JUST CAN'T !! I hope my receptors can heal --
let me know if you have any more good insights!
thanks
snapper
Posted by Marley on April 2, 2004, at 22:58:09
In reply to ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Mike Lynch on March 31, 2004, at 23:35:16
Hi Mike-
Regarding your memory loss, I've seen some interesting stuff recently about a possible link between depression and memory loss. What little I've read about it suggests that depression may cause the hippocampus to shrink. The hippocampus is a part of our brain associated with memory and learning. I did a quick search to see if I could find a reference for you, and found a good overview article from 2000, although I'm sure you could find something more recent if you looked for it:
http://www.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/04/18/stress.depress.wmd/And I always thought my poor memory was just a family trait! I guess it was, but maybe more related to the family disposition towards depression.
Another website I found is: http://www.psycheducation.org/emotion/hippocampus.htm
-This one implies that ADs may help prevent the shrinkage of the hippocampus. I think I've read other stuff about the hippocampus actually regenerating with the use of ADs, but I'm not sure of that (can't remember for sure!).Regarding the use of SSRIs and cognitive functioning, I also found that when I went on Prozac, my mental functioning seemed to improve significantly, especially at the beginning. Almost like "brain steroids"! Combine that with an increase in self-assuredness and assertiveness from the Prozac, and I moved up to a higher level of performance at work. After about a year, the Prozac stopped working for me, a gradual decline over time even as my dosage increased.
I am no longer on meds and deal with mild/moderate depression on a chronic basis. And to be honest, a large part of why I don't try to go back on meds is because they seem to only be a temporary fix for me, and I don't like dealing with the discrepancy between how I am on them, and how I am off of them. While I enjoyed feeling good and performing at a higher level while the SSRIs worked for me, I didn't like how that set expectations for my performance higher at work (while on SSRIs), only to lose my ability to meet those expectations after the SSRIs wore off. I don't know if anyone else has been through that?
Anyhow, I agree with the person who suggested coffee... it's one of the few things that gives my brain a kick when I'm off the meds.
Good luck!
Posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 9:35:30
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Marley on April 2, 2004, at 22:58:09
There has been recent reserch done on the link between good memory and the good BDNF gene. People coded with a poorer version of the BDNF gene, seemed to perform much worse on tests of short term memory (ie what happened yesterday).
There is also a very strong link between poor BDNF status and depression. BDNF not only has congnative enhancing effects when directly injected into the brain, but drugs that enhance low BDNF expression can also restore memory.
When I was depressed, I had a very poor memory. It took me hours to study for tests, I never felt like I actually had remembered anything.
Since getting better, I feel that I remember what I have learned. I try to keep my medication doses low, and to exercise (which also enhances BDNF), and to take loads of fish oil and other supplements that purportedly have some effect on neurogenesis.
I would assume that my BDNF status is much better than it was a few years ago.
But in terms of mental functioning, I would say that anxiety is the biggest killer. Do what you have to to get that under controll.
Linkadge
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 3, 2004, at 12:11:35
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 9:35:30
> But in terms of mental functioning, I would say that anxiety is the biggest killer. Do what you have to to get that under controll.
>
>
>
> Linkadge
>
>
>In a very depressed time, I've tested very high on long-term memory, and low on short term memory. How is it that my long term memory could be so great and my short term so horrid simultaneously?
---
I think the concern in general is that many of us go off meds and are functioning great. We are NOT anxious, we are NOT depressed, and yet we have these lingering cognitive effects. It's definitely a concern.
Thanks for the suggestions. Why do you personally choose to keep your doses low?
Posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 15:35:52
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by bookgurl99 on April 3, 2004, at 12:11:35
I keep my doses low just because there is much unknown about the drugs so it only makes sence to take as little as possible.
I am not saying that the drugs may have longer term cognative side effects, but I heard once from a crack user to never try the drug. Not because it is addicting, but because it shows you what you don't have, after you go back you feel deprived.
Another analogy I have is with glasses. Before you need glasses, your eyes strain really hard to see properly. They get quite good at it. You have little squinting techniques and such to be able to read things properly. After you get glasses, you and your eyes get lazy, and infact your eyesight gets worse then it was before you started wearing glasses.
I would reccoment omega 3 and phosphatadyl serine, both of which have been shown to help cognition after illicit drug withdrawl (so they may help SSRI related problems.
Linkadge
Posted by Mike Lynch on April 3, 2004, at 21:04:19
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 15:35:52
I wish I could get a hold of someone who experienced this firsthand , who confirms that it will eventually go away.
Im only 17 it feels like my whole personality has been sucked out of me , I don't want to deal with this my whole life..
Posted by PsychoSage on April 4, 2004, at 12:14:17
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 15:35:52
cognitive/executive functioning:
Posted by Marley on April 5, 2004, at 21:54:36
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 9:35:30
> There has been recent reserch done on the link between good memory and the good BDNF gene. People coded with a poorer version of the BDNF gene, seemed to perform much worse on tests of short term memory (ie what happened yesterday).
>
> There is also a very strong link between poor BDNF status and depression. BDNF not only has congnative enhancing effects when directly injected into the brain, but drugs that enhance low BDNF expression can also restore memory.
>
>
linkadge, thanks for the info on the BDNF gene. I hadn't heard about that before. Same with the Immune Theory of Depression that noa mentioned. It sure would be nice if they were really starting to understand some of the actual causes of depression so they could come up with some more effective treatments!
Posted by SpaceFairy on April 8, 2004, at 3:47:10
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Marley on April 5, 2004, at 21:54:36
Hi!
I wish that I could tell you that it does get better but at the moment I'm literally crippled after withdrawing from the latest batch of these meds to be given to me (venlafaxine - which in my experience has been the most potent to date). I have recovered from the others before but it takes time. At the moment I'm supposed to be studying for my finals, but I guess that's going to go down the drain. Depsite being off the meds for 6 months I am suffering with anxiety and verious cognitive deficits.
Here is an article that was of considerable interest to me:
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/reaction.htm
Hope it helps! At least now I know I'm not going loopy after all!
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 8, 2004, at 8:06:18
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by SpaceFairy on April 8, 2004, at 3:47:10
> Hi!
>
> I wish that I could tell you that it does get better but at the moment I'm literally crippled after withdrawing from the latest batch of these meds to be given to me (venlafaxine - which in my experience has been the most potent to date). I have recovered from the others before but it takes time.
>
> Here is an article that was of considerable interest to me:
>
> http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/reaction.htm
>
> Hope it helps! At least now I know I'm not going loopy after all!
Wow! Good luck on finals.I was really glad to see the posting -- someone else has thought about this in the same way as I have. I am highly suspicious of certain physical health problems that I developed suddenly after starting or quitting an SSRI. In addition, I wonder if the stimulus has weakened my adrenals. In a short period of time, I have become much older-looking and feeling.
I wish I would have known the potential dangers 10 years ago. I may not have used these drugs.
My plan is to visit a highly qualified M.D. who develops treatment programs based on the health of the endocrine system, immune system, and symptoms that a patient has. He has a strong nutritional basis, and is not fond of drug therapies.
Are you feeling good riding things out?
Posted by SpaceFairy on April 8, 2004, at 10:21:38
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning??? » SpaceFairy, posted by bookgurl99 on April 8, 2004, at 8:06:18
> Wow! Good luck on finals.
>
> I was really glad to see the posting -- someone else has thought about this in the same way as I have. I am highly suspicious of certain physical health problems that I developed suddenly after starting or quitting an SSRI. In addition, I wonder if the stimulus has weakened my adrenals. In a short period of time, I have become much older-looking and feeling.
>
> I wish I would have known the potential dangers 10 years ago. I may not have used these drugs.
>
> My plan is to visit a highly qualified M.D. who develops treatment programs based on the health of the endocrine system, immune system, and symptoms that a patient has. He has a strong nutritional basis, and is not fond of drug therapies.
>
> Are you feeling good riding things out?Hi there!
Thanks for posting back & also for the good luck wish (I am going to need it!).
It is quite possible that you could be suffering with 'Adrenal Exhaustion Syndrome' (however, I obviously am unable to diagnose that). What kind of symptoms are you suffering from? One point of interest to you may be:
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/pinealstory.htm
I completely agree with you about wishing that I had been aware of the dangers before taking these medications - research has proved that up to 10% of caucasian people are unable to metabolise SSRI's. I happen to be one of the unfortunate few! As a result, my symptoms have been mistaken for mental health problems - and the dose of the medication increased or I have been changed on to different ones.
I am glad that you have decided to seek professional help. The link that I gave in my previous posting details the importance of diet & lifestyle.
As for the question of whether I'm feeling good at the moment - it's debatable. I am pleased that I have finally been able to ascertain that I have an intolerability to these types of psychopharmaceuticals, but I have been left with a legacy of problems (anxiety, tardive dystonia, tremor & significantly imapired cognitive functioning - esp. short-term memory & concentration). I hope that these will fade in time, and am reassured by the fact that I have overcome withdrawal problems before.
Take care!
SpaceFairy
Posted by francesco on April 8, 2004, at 14:33:53
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by SpaceFairy on April 8, 2004, at 10:21:38
Ho do you know if you are unable to metabolize SSRIs ? Is it just SSRIs or any antidepressants ?
Thanks
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