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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by uncouth on December 22, 2011, at 18:18:14
Ok so I'm starting an SSRI again (luvox). I have actually been feeling pretty good the last two months, but the only thing that was an issue was some obsessional/compulsive behaviors (more like thinking). So we started SSRI. I have been on numerous SSRIs in the past but always forget how i feel upon initiation. I took first dose 50mg luvox last night. Today I feel worse, more apathetic, the mind is slower but also the positive ruminations are gone too (which I miss). Now I'm just blah. The blah feeling is something I know I have felt before on long term SSRIs.
I know SSRIs don't work quickly but for someone who is sensitized to tons of psych medications, I know something when I feel it.
What is going on during SSRI initiation that might make me feel this way? Like just yesterday I would have said "yeah i've been feeling good the last 2 months despite circumstances sucking" but now I would say "life sucks and i'm bored and can't get anything productive done" not depressed just blah.
ANyway, does this feeling improve over time? I am trying to figure out if I just ditch the SSRI since I'm not feeling terrible and stick to my current regime, or if I stick it out and maybe the luvox feeling goes away and i can get the anti obsessional action.
Posted by Phillipa on December 22, 2011, at 18:38:29
In reply to What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel, posted by uncouth on December 22, 2011, at 18:18:14
What else are you taking? As luvox didn't do that more me? I just had no side effects got up to 250mg at one point with ativan at the time? I had a lot of energy and felt well on the 250mg of luvox. Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on December 22, 2011, at 20:57:56
In reply to Re: What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel » uncouth, posted by Phillipa on December 22, 2011, at 18:38:29
I'd ditch it. I mean, you can medicate away akathisia, but if you don't like the loss of good thoughts and the mind slowing, you won't like your Luvox experience period. Therapy, maybe?
Posted by SLS on December 22, 2011, at 21:39:44
In reply to What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel, posted by uncouth on December 22, 2011, at 18:18:14
I think it would be premature to end a trial of Luvox after a single dose based upon what you are describing. I would allow some more time to pass before coming to any conclusions. Start-up effects often dissipate. Luvox may ultimately prove to be the wrong drug for you, but how would you know without giving it more time?
How did Prozac treat you? It is sometimes chosen as a treatment for OCD, although higher dosages are often necessary.
- Scott
Posted by sigismund on December 23, 2011, at 3:22:09
In reply to What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel, posted by uncouth on December 22, 2011, at 18:18:14
If I were you I would halve the dose.
Posted by uncouth on December 23, 2011, at 13:17:37
In reply to Re: What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel » uncouth, posted by SLS on December 22, 2011, at 21:39:44
i just decided to discontinue...lets ee how i feel after holidays with respect to mood and OCD...a lot of this is situational. i felt like sh*t waking up this morning probably because the one dose i took was just wearing off, but went for walk and did some work and feel better.
Posted by SLS on December 23, 2011, at 14:22:06
In reply to Re: What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel, posted by uncouth on December 23, 2011, at 13:17:37
> i just decided to discontinue...lets ee how i feel after holidays with respect to mood and OCD...a lot of this is situational. i felt like sh*t waking up this morning probably because the one dose i took was just wearing off, but went for walk and did some work and feel better.
I don't doubt that you can discern differences in the way you feel after taking a single dose of an antidepressant. However, this immediate effect might bear very little resemblance to how you would feel after the brain is allowed to "cook" for a few weeks. I have never tried Luvox, so I cannot attest to how it might affect you. I get the impression from others that it can be sedating - at least at first. Did it feel "muddy" to you?
- Scott
Posted by uncouth on December 23, 2011, at 16:32:35
In reply to Re: What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel » uncouth, posted by SLS on December 23, 2011, at 14:22:06
yeah it did feel a little muddy, and yes i'm well aware acute effects are different than longer term effects. but there are effects that i can recognize that start with the first dose and stick around...they are the vague sense of anhedonia and blahness that stays around when I am on an SSRI even fi depression has resolved
Posted by Phidippus on December 24, 2011, at 19:54:27
In reply to What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel, posted by uncouth on December 22, 2011, at 18:18:14
>What is going on during SSRI initiation that >might make me feel this way?
Nothing. It takes much longer than a day for Luvox to affect your brain in any significant manner, except side effects. Luvox can make you feel sedate when you first start taking it. This usaually goes away within a week or so. Your OCD brain maybe be overinflating the issue.
Eric
Posted by Phillipa on December 24, 2011, at 21:50:55
In reply to Re: What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel » uncouth, posted by Phidippus on December 24, 2011, at 19:54:27
What is it with ocd anxiety I keep feeling tireder the less meds I take? And making mountains out of mole hills so to speak. Hate it. Phillipa
Posted by Phidippus on December 25, 2011, at 13:29:39
In reply to Re: What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel » Phidippus, posted by Phillipa on December 24, 2011, at 21:50:55
Possibly because your getting more side effects from the drugs than actual benefit.
Eric
Posted by Phillipa on December 25, 2011, at 23:51:04
In reply to Re: What happens on SSRI initiation aka why do i feel » Phillipa, posted by Phidippus on December 25, 2011, at 13:29:39
So cut down more easy to do will do so tonight now as it's late. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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