Posted by Caedmon on March 23, 2006, at 19:28:29
In reply to Re: A very interesting article re: SSRI long term use » john berk, posted by linkadge on March 23, 2006, at 11:20:47
>I think that SSRI's work for OCD by essentially reducing frontal cortex dopamine output, which is like a mini lobotomy in a certain way. It will kind of reduce motivation, drive, focused attention etc.
I think this is very possible. I don't know how true this is anatomically, but functionally it does seem to be true. I think this may be why SSRIs can work for GAD too. Reduces the "vigilance" associated with anxiety.
IMO if you experience apathy/anhedonia on SSRIs but have achieved symptomatic relief, the first thing to try is a dose reduction. We know from TCAs that subtherapeutic doses are often just as good, especially if you've been on the medication for some time. My totally unscientific suspicion on SSRI 'poop-out' is that it can - sometimes - be alleviated by *reducing* the medication, not increasing it or augmenting it.
poster:Caedmon
thread:623575
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060322/msgs/623861.html