Posted by SLS on April 20, 2011, at 9:09:12
In reply to Re: the only way out » SLS, posted by 49er on April 20, 2011, at 7:50:17
> Hi Scott
>
> "I think many people are confusing withdrawal with persistent changes in structure and function. In my experience and observation, drugs can often go in, make changes, and go out, leaving the system in a different state than when it went in."
>
> So far, we're in agreement.
>
> " This is evidenced by several phenomena, including drug poop-out, post SSRI sexual and motivational deficits, and the loss of responsiveness to a drug following its discontinuation. These are not acute withdrawal symptoms. They are residual and persist long after drug discontinuation. "
>
> Poop out is not a withdrawal symptom in my opinion.I agree. I think you misunderstood me.
> That refers to the feeling that the drug has lost its effectiveness when you are taking it.
When poop-out occurs, something in the brain has changed. Perhaps it involves a type of overshoot that destabilizes the system. This change usually results in a resistence to responding to that same drug subsequently.
Withdrawal Effects vs Residual Effects: Not only are withdrawal effects time-limited, but they differ significantly in presentation.
"severe flulike symptoms - headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chills, dizziness and fatigue. There may be insomnia. Agitation, impaired concentration, vivid dreams, depersonalization, irritability and suicidal thoughts are sometimes occurring. These symptoms last anywhere from one to seven weeks and vary in intensity."
Not to mention the brain zaps.
> > I agree with many of your recommendations for drug discontinuation, although I am still of the opinion that the rate of taper you suggest is too slow for most of the drugs being used in psychiatry.
> >
> I vehemently disagree. I wish I had a nickle for how many times I have seen posts on boards like this one and others where it was clear to me the person had problems from tapering way too fast.I'm not advoacating abrupt discontinuation. However, when the situation arises where a doctor and patient elect to change medications, it is prohibitive to spend a year or more to taper the old drug before beginning the new drug.
> What is the rush?
Please see above.
Respectfully.- Scott
Some see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.
poster:SLS
thread:983009
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110418/msgs/983326.html