Posted by SDA on February 16, 2004, at 19:14:21
In reply to Re: Is this OCD attack?, posted by rianny on February 16, 2004, at 15:50:03
I was on Zoloft and Wellbutrin for a few years as a teenager for OCD. I didn't notice any real cognitive or memory problems while on the medications, but perhaps that is because I was simply too young to know any better. After stopping my medications, my work ethic improved dramatically. Unfortunately, I experienced a relapse of OCD (which I'm sure was partially due to the sleep deprivation I mentioned in my previous post).
Don't worry about memory loss or becoming "stupid". Despite some difficulties with getting started on my school work and creative writing assignments (which aren't really my thing anyway), I have always had an exceptional memory and a great affinity for math, science, foreign languages, and art. I think any negative changes brought on by medications are more likely to be apparent in you personality than your intellect.
I don't think you should worry about these medications being addictive either. However you should be cautious of withdrawal symptoms when stopping them (I never experienced any though). Side effects when trying to find the right medication can also be very hard on someone who is a student. I find that it is almost impossible to fight both battles simultaneously.
I can't deny that the medications helped a great deal with my OCD (I used to do things like skip steps on stairs and use napkins to pick up food due to fear of toxins). I also can't ignore the positive changes from discontinuing their use. Medications should be a LAST resort, not a first one. Try to make simple lifestyle changes before you take any medications. Many psychiatric drugs work by poorly understood mechanisms. Make sure you carefully weigh the risks and benefits of taking such drugs.
poster:SDA
thread:313059
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040215/msgs/314279.html