Posted by university on August 12, 2004, at 14:37:31
In reply to Re: SSRI Apathy Syndrome (Anhedonia)??? » etoc, posted by Ippopo on October 6, 2002, at 16:02:09
> > It is well know, especially amoung users past and present of SSRI's that they can cause a syndrome of apathy (who cares, i'm tired, lack of motivation) especially after a period of time using them. Prozac and Paxil are noted for this, with Zoloft Being a less offenender some of the time, presumably because of it's putative effect on dopamine.
> >
> > I am curious how many have suffered from this and what they have done to deal with it? Currently I take Lexapro 10mgs (15 days so far) and sort of feel this way. I do take 10mgs of Adderall XR and this is helpful. I like the Lexapro, as for me it has almost 0 side-effects, save that of loss of sexual intrest and ability to orgasm.
> >
> > Please tell me if this syndrome gets better, worse and what, and if anyone else here experiences it.
> >
> > Much Thanks....
>
> Oh my,
> We're almost at the same place. I am so sorry but also happy I'm not alone. The only difference is I'm not taking Adderall XR. I take the same dossage 1/2 morning 1/2 noon.
>
>
I've been on Prozac for over ten years--it saved me from the most sunless, unbearable depressions. But when I had a "breakthrough" depression after four years @20mg/day, I upped the dose, variably, to ~40-80mg/day. I've been at about 40mg/day for many years now, and have had SSRI apathy for a long time. No interest or motivation to paint anymore (used to be an artist). Don't get me wrong--I'm not vegetative or anthing, just blase about most things. I'm sure part of it derives from a certain sense of emotional invulnerability; pain isn't reall a motivator anymore.I have tried to deal with this in several ways, using Provigil and Ritalin. But those just provide a very temporary buzz that's not equivalent to how I used to be. I fear the only solution is to diminish or stop Prozac and try another AD. But I've always been terrified to do this for fear I might end up in another depression. Risking a depression is almost not worth anything to me.
One thing my lazy ass hasn't tried is, of course, a sensible--if challenging--solution: daily, rigorous exercise. I think that if i got into good physical shape (I'm average/thin, but pretty sedentary), I'd feel a lot better. :(
Any advice/comments welcome :)
poster:university
thread:121851
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040811/msgs/376907.html