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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by West on May 23, 2009, at 11:58:40
Over time,
as consciousness is changed through drugs, so too, inevitably, is the outlook, the view; and while the worst of our symptoms are relieved, a gradual sense of dullness creeps in, and without proper emotional nourishment, apathy, turning eventually into a sort of resigned cynicism, seem to characterise the SSRI experienceirrational, but native, thoughts of anxiety, fear, jealousy, anger, lust, joy et al. fly under the radar, often in far subtler ways than you'd know, and I am concerned about how this directly affects person's character, their 'native' makeup and behaviour (do they become designers where before they wanted to be painters for example, or librarians instead of authors?)
I myself find it too sad see connections fall just out of reach even among those most cherished.
Posted by Phillipa on May 23, 2009, at 12:58:56
In reply to To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by West on May 23, 2009, at 11:58:40
West what an interesting theory. I was nursing till given SSRI's. Then continued for two years then off them no more nursing and it was my love. So are we brain damaged? Love Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on May 23, 2009, at 17:16:58
In reply to To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by West on May 23, 2009, at 11:58:40
> Over time,
> as consciousness is changed through drugs, so too, inevitably, is the outlook, the view; and while the worst of our symptoms are relieved, a gradual sense of dullness creeps in, and without proper emotional nourishment, apathy, turning eventually into a sort of resigned cynicism, seem to characterise the SSRI experience
>
> irrational, but native, thoughts of anxiety, fear, jealousy, anger, lust, joy et al. fly under the radar, often in far subtler ways than you'd know, and I am concerned about how this directly affects person's character, their 'native' makeup and behaviour (do they become designers where before they wanted to be painters for example, or librarians instead of authors?)
>
> I myself find it too sad see connections fall just out of reach even among those most cherished.Dear West,
Lost on SSRI's--your question is a provocative one, and I feel sad thinking about it. What's comes my mind right now, in response to your musings, is the grief I feel over what seem to be diminished opportunities and capabilities due to (mental) illness itself. This is a side thread to your question, I realize.
warm wishes,
Candace
Posted by linkadge on May 23, 2009, at 21:59:40
In reply to Re: To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by floatingbridge on May 23, 2009, at 17:16:58
Yes, I blame SSRI's for a number of bad cop out decisions. I remember terminating good relationshisps simply because of social apathy. Yes, there also was the diminished fortitude of life ambitions, goals, desires etc. They certainly do alter the way that decisions are processed. It is true that they diminish anxiety but they also diminish drive and guilt. All in all, you can wimp out of things without fearing the consequences or feeling much guilt about it.
After coming off them I am becoming more astounded about particular decisions I made while one them.
Linkadge
Posted by West on May 24, 2009, at 9:01:31
In reply to Re: To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by linkadge on May 23, 2009, at 21:59:40
The final sentence was badly put, if a bit cryptic.
It refers to the blocking of previously deep connections with others and the creation of an artificial distance,
even when they're sitting right beside you.
Posted by linkadge on May 24, 2009, at 11:04:50
In reply to Re: To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by West on May 24, 2009, at 9:01:31
SSRI's do kill the "life force".
Linkadge
Posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on May 24, 2009, at 13:04:05
In reply to To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by West on May 23, 2009, at 11:58:40
How do we reverse these changes?
Posted by linkadge on May 24, 2009, at 15:52:08
In reply to Re: To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on May 24, 2009, at 13:04:05
I don't know. Time off the meds, exercise, good diet have been helping some. There still are underlying issues, but I feel that I am better able to start sorting out what is what now.
I am not anti-med at all. I just think that you have to know what certain meds can do.
Linkadge
Posted by Neal on May 24, 2009, at 19:59:07
In reply to Re: To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by linkadge on May 24, 2009, at 15:52:08
many artists, writers, etc. have asked themselves this question. you have to work through it, is my only thought, knowing what the side effects are, and try to compensate if you can.
ultimately, there's an old saying about half a loaf is better than none . . . . .
Posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on May 25, 2009, at 15:20:16
In reply to Re: To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by linkadge on May 24, 2009, at 15:52:08
> I don't know. Time off the meds, exercise, good diet have been helping some. There still are underlying issues, but I feel that I am better able to start sorting out what is what now.
>
> I am not anti-med at all. I just think that you have to know what certain meds can do.
>
> LinkadgePdocs and docs should know about this though. Most don't. They can't expect us seriously depressed folks to be ahead of them in knowledge of neurobiology.
My pdoc said wellbutrin isn't an antidepressant when I asked him to argument my lexapro!
Posted by ColoradoSnowflake on May 25, 2009, at 17:08:46
In reply to Re: To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on May 25, 2009, at 15:20:16
Did he tell you what Wellbutrin is? Having been on it for 15 years I'd love to know! Thanks, Gayle
Posted by Phillipa on May 25, 2009, at 20:26:16
In reply to Re: To anybody lost on SSRIs alexander, posted by ColoradoSnowflake on May 25, 2009, at 17:08:46
Good question assuming it's working well for you Phillipa
Posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on May 26, 2009, at 15:28:52
In reply to Re: To anybody lost on SSRIs alexander, posted by ColoradoSnowflake on May 25, 2009, at 17:08:46
> Did he tell you what Wellbutrin is? Having been on it for 15 years I'd love to know! Thanks, Gayle
He told me it was anti smokiing med. Not and AD
Posted by Alexanderfromdenmark on May 26, 2009, at 15:32:56
In reply to To anybody lost on SSRIs, posted by West on May 23, 2009, at 11:58:40
> Over time,
> as consciousness is changed through drugs, so too, inevitably, is the outlook, the view; and while the worst of our symptoms are relieved, a gradual sense of dullness creeps in, and without proper emotional nourishment, apathy, turning eventually into a sort of resigned cynicism, seem to characterise the SSRI experience
>
> irrational, but native, thoughts of anxiety, fear, jealousy, anger, lust, joy et al. fly under the radar, often in far subtler ways than you'd know, and I am concerned about how this directly affects person's character, their 'native' makeup and behaviour (do they become designers where before they wanted to be painters for example, or librarians instead of authors?)
>
> I myself find it too sad see connections fall just out of reach even among those most cherished.
I consider my decision of staying on a SSRI For a year to be the worst decision i've ever made. But couldn't know and wasn't informed that it could dull my intellect and person as much as it did.
This is the end of the thread.
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