Posted by Chris O on June 16, 2004, at 14:29:41
I suffer from chronic unrelenting anxiety and depression. I have tried so many OTC supplements and alternative treatments, but none of them seem to provide significant relief. I am beginning to think that my only salvation is long-term use of SSRI medication. I have a few questions for people on these boards, sort of a survey to help me make my decision:
1) What are the long-term, if any, medical side-effects of SSRIs? (The longest I have taken them is for one year.) I went to a naturopathic doctor who told me liver damage was a real risk long-term. Any feedback on that? What about risks to other organs, such as the kidneys and heart? And what about the cognitive effects, such as forgetfulness, lack of creativity (I've read a couple of Laurn Slater's books--Prozac Diary--and she reflects on some of this as she has been on the meds since, I believe, 1988.)
2) What is the longest anyone on these boards has taken SSRI meds? Has anyone been on them for over ten years? What is your experience? Do they still help after many years?
Thanks in advance,
Chris
poster:Chris O
thread:357302
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040614/msgs/357302.html