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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by milena esherick on January 18, 2000, at 22:02:45
I am interested in learning more about the long term (5+ years) effects of SSRI use. In particular, I am interested in finding out more information about apathy caused by SSRI use. Does anyone know of any internet sights (in addition to Dr. Bob's) that might be helpful? What has been published on this topic? I only seem to be able to locate information on the short term or immediate side effects of SSRI's. But I want to know about the consequences and risks of long-term or life-time use. Thanks for your help.
Posted by saint james on January 18, 2000, at 23:59:26
In reply to long term effects of SSRI's, posted by milena esherick on January 18, 2000, at 22:02:45
> I am interested in learning more about the long term (5+ years) effects of SSRI use
James here....
Although it is convenite to lump SSRI's together
they are not chemically related (unlike the TCA's)
so in looking at long term effects you will have to treat them seperatly. Anytime you take a med that controls mood there is almost always problems with flat affect (apathy) in some people. My experience with TCA's (8 yrs) and SSRIs and mostly Remeron and Effexor (7 yrs) is that 1) TCA's flatten the affect the most 2) sedating AD's tend to do this 3) Sedating TCA's are the worst in this reguard ! 4) as a broad statement SSRI's and other new AD's (Effexor and post Effexor) tend to have the least effect on this or none. I have a normal affect on Effexor. I used to Augment Effexor w/ TCA's and I stopped taking TCA's because of flat affect and lack of intrest in sex.Long term effects..... Prozac would probably be the oldest SSRI then Zoloft and Paxil (as memory serves) The flating of affect effect is dose related and totally reversible. Just watch for it....there are times that I have enjoyed being comfortably numb, times that this was the desired effect, but in general I want to be "present" as much as possible. If you find apathy is setting in let your doctor know.
The most documented long term effect from AD's (~70% ) amoung depressives in not being depressed.
james
Posted by martha on January 20, 2000, at 13:48:20
In reply to Re: long term effects of SSRI's, posted by saint james on January 18, 2000, at 23:59:26
> > I am interested in learning more about the long term (5+ years) effects of SSRI use
>
> James here....
>
> Although it is convenite to lump SSRI's together
> they are not chemically related (unlike the TCA's)
> so in looking at long term effects you will have to treat them seperatly. Anytime you take a med that controls mood there is almost always problems with flat affect (apathy) in some people. My experience with TCA's (8 yrs) and SSRIs and mostly Remeron and Effexor (7 yrs) is that 1) TCA's flatten the affect the most 2) sedating AD's tend to do this 3) Sedating TCA's are the worst in this reguard ! 4) as a broad statement SSRI's and other new AD's (Effexor and post Effexor) tend to have the least effect on this or none. I have a normal affect on Effexor. I used to Augment Effexor w/ TCA's and I stopped taking TCA's because of flat affect and lack of intrest in sex.
>
> Long term effects..... Prozac would probably be the oldest SSRI then Zoloft and Paxil (as memory serves) The flating of affect effect is dose related and totally reversible. Just watch for it....there are times that I have enjoyed being comfortably numb, times that this was the desired effect, but in general I want to be "present" as much as possible. If you find apathy is setting in let your doctor know.
>
> The most documented long term effect from AD's (~70% ) amoung depressives in not being depressed.
>
> jamesMartha here:
I'm very inbterested in the overall health results of being on antidepressants over an extended period. I have recently stopped Effexor after 4-5 years as I don't know the research on people followed for 5 - 10 years on this medication. It has been very good for me, but I doiscontinued because I am having kidney problems on lithium, and my pdoc says I need to be stablished off the antidepressants befor trying to reduce the lithium. By the way, I find I am peeing every hour even at night, which is to say the least disturbing my sleep. Any information anywhere?
Posted by anna on January 21, 2000, at 15:26:36
In reply to long term effects of SSRI's, posted by milena esherick on January 18, 2000, at 22:02:45
> I am interested in learning more about the long term (5+ years) effects of SSRI use. In particular, I am interested in finding out more information about apathy caused by SSRI use. Does anyone know of any internet sights (in addition to Dr. Bob's) that might be helpful? What has been published on this topic? I only seem to be able to locate information on the short term or immediate side effects of SSRI's. But I want to know about the consequences and risks of long-term or life-time use. Thanks for your help.
_____
Seven years on Zoloft.....no problems so far--but maybe the Zoloft is why my hair is greying...and not age?! Best side effect for me--no panic attacks, anticipatory anxiety. Just tried to cut dose with goal of getting off it, but the panic crept back.....I'm sold on it. Used to worry about effect of Zoloft on body (cancer?) 20 years down the line, but I need to live my life now.
This is the end of the thread.
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