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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ed_uk on November 24, 2004, at 9:35:04
Things are different on an SSRI. Nothing really seems to matter. I don't care about the things I ought to care about. I think this is potentially very destructive because it reduces my motivation.
Time passes quickly but nothing ever seems to get done. I sometimes feel distant from the world, it's almost as if I'm living inside my own head. Things which are happening externally don't seem to have much impact. Few things seem more pleasurable than snuggling up in bed.
SSRIs have always been very 'effective' in ridding me of the useful (and mild) type of anxiety that motivates me to get things done. They are not quite so effective in treating my 'pathological' anxiety. Typical.....
For me, all SSRIs are the same. Maybe I should quit the citalopram and try an MAOI. Having said that, an MAOI might be less effective for my OCD. Has anyone found an MAOI useful for their OCD?
Do SSRIs have a similar psychological effect on you?
Ed.
Posted by linkadge on November 24, 2004, at 10:39:17
In reply to Psychological effects of SSRIs, posted by ed_uk on November 24, 2004, at 9:35:04
Apathy can (but need not be) a side effect of SSRi use.
When apathy kicks in, it is more than not a side effect of too much dose.
A few studies I have read showed that most people achieved a clinical responce to 10mg of prozac and not 20 mg.
I think the drug companies increase the recommended dose in order to increase their chances of you being on the drug longer than you should.
Whatever SSRI you are taking, I would try decreasing the dose and see how it affects your apathy. It seems simpe, and most people would rather add wellbutrin, but this is a classic case of more is not better.
Too much dopamine and too little serotonin can cause depression, but too much serotonin and too little dopamine can cause anhedonia and apathy.Linadge
Posted by DanielJ on November 24, 2004, at 11:41:02
In reply to Re: Psychological effects of SSRIs, posted by linkadge on November 24, 2004, at 10:39:17
Good advice, I think SSRI dosage is pretty critical. Too little has little or no effect, too much and you may be in a constant state of euphoria. If you have tablets like Zoloft you could chop the pills with a knife or pill cutter so you that are taking 25% less than you are now.
Stay on that amount for a week and see if you feel more energetic and animated.
Posted by linkadge on November 24, 2004, at 12:12:31
In reply to Re: Psychological effects of SSRIs, posted by DanielJ on November 24, 2004, at 11:41:02
Thats funny. I was doing quite well on 50mg of zolof. THe doctor insisted on increasing it to 100mg because he thought this would be more theraputic.
To make a long story short. I became much more zombie like. Overeating oversleeping, apathy, no motivation to get anything done.
I asked the docotor to reduce to 50mg although I took matters into my own hands and split the dose in half.
I have read some reports that suggest that it is really necessary to listen to the symptoms of medication non-responce. Certain symptoms may indeed be indicators of too much medication as opposed to too little.
Linkage
Posted by Phillipa on November 24, 2004, at 15:32:02
In reply to Re: Psychological effects of SSRIs, posted by linkadge on November 24, 2004, at 12:12:31
You read my mind! Same with me. Have been on most
SSRI's, and only one that worked was l0mg of Paxil 7 years ago. It doesn't work now. Was put on Cymbalta and it's the same Went back to 30mgs from 60mgs and sleep better, but still same S&S as you have. Goal is to go off all to see what my baseline is. What do you think? This is also a new pdoc cause old one quit practicing in my area and this one is the only pdoc here. Phillipass
Posted by jclint on November 24, 2004, at 17:39:49
In reply to Psychological effects of SSRIs, posted by ed_uk on November 24, 2004, at 9:35:04
Yo Ed.
Yeah I had that very much on Efexor. The anxiety was still there, but I wasn't depressed by my desperate state. I guess what they say about SSRIs being 'numbing' is true, all emotions are blunted somewhat. Definitley not great. I'm hoping nardil might be different, I've heard MAOIs allow less ceiling on the positive emotions.
Posted by FredPotter on November 24, 2004, at 19:16:53
In reply to Re: Psychological effects of SSRIs, posted by jclint on November 24, 2004, at 17:39:49
I'm also reducing my dosage (of Celexa aka Cipramil). I seem to get the symptoms of atypical depression when on them. Oversleeping, agitation, inner restlessness, fatigue, no drive, either sexual or nonsexual, poor concentration. Also a sense of deep dread that Xanax doesn't help.
Generally speaking, is it wise to treat atypical depression, as I have described it, with an SSRI? Isn't Wellbrutin the usual route?
Thanks everyone Fred
Posted by ed_uk on November 25, 2004, at 7:27:58
In reply to Re: Psychological effects of SSRIs, posted by FredPotter on November 24, 2004, at 19:16:53
Hi everyone!
I take citalopram 60mg/day for anxiety and OCD
This is how it works for me.......
Low dose... doesn't help OCD. Helps anxiety somewhat.
High dose.... Helps anxiety and OCD quite well BUT causes apathy etc.
Regards,
Ed
Posted by Buckeye Fan on November 25, 2004, at 7:34:32
In reply to Re: Psychological effects of SSRIs, posted by ed_uk on November 25, 2004, at 7:27:58
Has anyone tried taking your normal dose...but EVERY OTHER DAY instead of everyday????
Just curious...because I too experience the apathy and lack of motivation that has been mentioned...and wondered if an every-other-day routine would help...or be counter productive?
Posted by gnepig on November 25, 2004, at 10:59:34
In reply to Re: Psychological effects of SSRIs, posted by Buckeye Fan on November 25, 2004, at 7:34:32
Talked to the pharmacist, and he said, at least with Cymbalta (long half-life) that it was about the same thing. Same amount of drug-all one day, skip a day, or 1/2 every day. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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