![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 13 to 37 of 51. Go back in thread:
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 2, 2004, at 18:15:08
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Nanter1 on April 1, 2004, at 17:16:01
>
> I've been off of meds completely for about 9 months now after having been on several different SSRIs over the last 10 years. My cognitive problems (short term memory disturbance, aphasia, spontaneous problem solving difficulties) have persisted ever since cessation.
. . . . . .> Ain't this stuff grand? Wish I'd known...
>
> -Nanter1
>I have a couple of theories about this. One is that, we now know that the brain continues to grow into adulthood -- much longer than was previously believed. In addition, there is a last 'spurt' of brain development occurring around age 22, which is perhaps why around age 22 we start to take on more adult responsibilities. However, most of us probably experience mental illness before that point and so may be on medication while our brain is 'setting' itself for adulthood. It is expecting the SSRI or other med to fill in for a certain function.
However, as the brain rebuilds itself every day (as our whole body does), it may somehow start to fulfill that function -- if given the chance.
My other theory is that, by providing an unexpected stimulus, the AD's tax the body in a way that we don't feel or expect. Think of the side effects experienced -- sweating, heart pounding, memory lapses. These are all experienced by humans when under stress. The body may read AD's as a persistent stressor, even if we feel fine emotionally on them.
So, one common result of persistent stress is 'adrenal fatigue,' having less of a capacity to make epinephrine and noripenephrine. One early symptom of this is mental fogginess, poor memory, etc. What I think is that it may take time and deliberate effort to heal from this taxation on the body after being on AD's for a long time.
My hope is that I can heal by this by abstaining from stimulants, even antidepressants if possible. My real hope is to just be normal again, that we can all be normal again.
Posted by snapper on April 2, 2004, at 20:37:49
In reply to a theory or two, and some hope, posted by bookgurl99 on April 2, 2004, at 18:15:08
Hey bookgurl , I hope your theory is correct. I am trying to exist on as minimal medication as possible right now. Even though I am as depressed as ever -from a bodily and somatic standpoint, I have been through so many meds in 14 years that I am just starting to wonder if my brain really can heal it self ? I don't know I am 37 and don't know if my brain is still growing or not. Only thing, I can hope and pray for. Yes my memory is terible and I am very fatigued and feel hopeless etc, etc , etc. But one thing I do know is this despite all the symptoms of depression being there, I find that my mind can atleast flow better and connect with different ideas and concepts. Hope that makes sense. I think this is because I am not currently taking an Ad- I do take 15mg of remeron to help knock me out, but not to the degree that it would help with my depression and I also take ambien and klonopin. I hope that taking just the ambien and klonopin Is NOT just making my depression worse. Anyhow I just really want to believe that my brain can "right itself"!
I feel like giving up almost every single day !!
BUT JUST CAN'T !! I hope my receptors can heal --
let me know if you have any more good insights!
thanks
snapper
Posted by Marley on April 2, 2004, at 22:58:09
In reply to ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Mike Lynch on March 31, 2004, at 23:35:16
Hi Mike-
Regarding your memory loss, I've seen some interesting stuff recently about a possible link between depression and memory loss. What little I've read about it suggests that depression may cause the hippocampus to shrink. The hippocampus is a part of our brain associated with memory and learning. I did a quick search to see if I could find a reference for you, and found a good overview article from 2000, although I'm sure you could find something more recent if you looked for it:
http://www.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/04/18/stress.depress.wmd/And I always thought my poor memory was just a family trait! I guess it was, but maybe more related to the family disposition towards depression.
Another website I found is: http://www.psycheducation.org/emotion/hippocampus.htm
-This one implies that ADs may help prevent the shrinkage of the hippocampus. I think I've read other stuff about the hippocampus actually regenerating with the use of ADs, but I'm not sure of that (can't remember for sure!).Regarding the use of SSRIs and cognitive functioning, I also found that when I went on Prozac, my mental functioning seemed to improve significantly, especially at the beginning. Almost like "brain steroids"! Combine that with an increase in self-assuredness and assertiveness from the Prozac, and I moved up to a higher level of performance at work. After about a year, the Prozac stopped working for me, a gradual decline over time even as my dosage increased.
I am no longer on meds and deal with mild/moderate depression on a chronic basis. And to be honest, a large part of why I don't try to go back on meds is because they seem to only be a temporary fix for me, and I don't like dealing with the discrepancy between how I am on them, and how I am off of them. While I enjoyed feeling good and performing at a higher level while the SSRIs worked for me, I didn't like how that set expectations for my performance higher at work (while on SSRIs), only to lose my ability to meet those expectations after the SSRIs wore off. I don't know if anyone else has been through that?
Anyhow, I agree with the person who suggested coffee... it's one of the few things that gives my brain a kick when I'm off the meds.
Good luck!
Posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 9:35:30
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Marley on April 2, 2004, at 22:58:09
There has been recent reserch done on the link between good memory and the good BDNF gene. People coded with a poorer version of the BDNF gene, seemed to perform much worse on tests of short term memory (ie what happened yesterday).
There is also a very strong link between poor BDNF status and depression. BDNF not only has congnative enhancing effects when directly injected into the brain, but drugs that enhance low BDNF expression can also restore memory.
When I was depressed, I had a very poor memory. It took me hours to study for tests, I never felt like I actually had remembered anything.
Since getting better, I feel that I remember what I have learned. I try to keep my medication doses low, and to exercise (which also enhances BDNF), and to take loads of fish oil and other supplements that purportedly have some effect on neurogenesis.
I would assume that my BDNF status is much better than it was a few years ago.
But in terms of mental functioning, I would say that anxiety is the biggest killer. Do what you have to to get that under controll.
Linkadge
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 3, 2004, at 12:11:35
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 9:35:30
> But in terms of mental functioning, I would say that anxiety is the biggest killer. Do what you have to to get that under controll.
>
>
>
> Linkadge
>
>
>In a very depressed time, I've tested very high on long-term memory, and low on short term memory. How is it that my long term memory could be so great and my short term so horrid simultaneously?
---
I think the concern in general is that many of us go off meds and are functioning great. We are NOT anxious, we are NOT depressed, and yet we have these lingering cognitive effects. It's definitely a concern.
Thanks for the suggestions. Why do you personally choose to keep your doses low?
Posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 15:35:52
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by bookgurl99 on April 3, 2004, at 12:11:35
I keep my doses low just because there is much unknown about the drugs so it only makes sence to take as little as possible.
I am not saying that the drugs may have longer term cognative side effects, but I heard once from a crack user to never try the drug. Not because it is addicting, but because it shows you what you don't have, after you go back you feel deprived.
Another analogy I have is with glasses. Before you need glasses, your eyes strain really hard to see properly. They get quite good at it. You have little squinting techniques and such to be able to read things properly. After you get glasses, you and your eyes get lazy, and infact your eyesight gets worse then it was before you started wearing glasses.
I would reccoment omega 3 and phosphatadyl serine, both of which have been shown to help cognition after illicit drug withdrawl (so they may help SSRI related problems.
Linkadge
Posted by Mike Lynch on April 3, 2004, at 21:04:19
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 15:35:52
I wish I could get a hold of someone who experienced this firsthand , who confirms that it will eventually go away.
Im only 17 it feels like my whole personality has been sucked out of me , I don't want to deal with this my whole life..
Posted by PsychoSage on April 4, 2004, at 12:14:17
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 15:35:52
cognitive/executive functioning:
Posted by Marley on April 5, 2004, at 21:54:36
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by linkadge on April 3, 2004, at 9:35:30
> There has been recent reserch done on the link between good memory and the good BDNF gene. People coded with a poorer version of the BDNF gene, seemed to perform much worse on tests of short term memory (ie what happened yesterday).
>
> There is also a very strong link between poor BDNF status and depression. BDNF not only has congnative enhancing effects when directly injected into the brain, but drugs that enhance low BDNF expression can also restore memory.
>
>
linkadge, thanks for the info on the BDNF gene. I hadn't heard about that before. Same with the Immune Theory of Depression that noa mentioned. It sure would be nice if they were really starting to understand some of the actual causes of depression so they could come up with some more effective treatments!
Posted by SpaceFairy on April 8, 2004, at 3:47:10
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Marley on April 5, 2004, at 21:54:36
Hi!
I wish that I could tell you that it does get better but at the moment I'm literally crippled after withdrawing from the latest batch of these meds to be given to me (venlafaxine - which in my experience has been the most potent to date). I have recovered from the others before but it takes time. At the moment I'm supposed to be studying for my finals, but I guess that's going to go down the drain. Depsite being off the meds for 6 months I am suffering with anxiety and verious cognitive deficits.
Here is an article that was of considerable interest to me:
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/reaction.htm
Hope it helps! At least now I know I'm not going loopy after all!
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 8, 2004, at 8:06:18
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by SpaceFairy on April 8, 2004, at 3:47:10
> Hi!
>
> I wish that I could tell you that it does get better but at the moment I'm literally crippled after withdrawing from the latest batch of these meds to be given to me (venlafaxine - which in my experience has been the most potent to date). I have recovered from the others before but it takes time.
>
> Here is an article that was of considerable interest to me:
>
> http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/reaction.htm
>
> Hope it helps! At least now I know I'm not going loopy after all!
Wow! Good luck on finals.I was really glad to see the posting -- someone else has thought about this in the same way as I have. I am highly suspicious of certain physical health problems that I developed suddenly after starting or quitting an SSRI. In addition, I wonder if the stimulus has weakened my adrenals. In a short period of time, I have become much older-looking and feeling.
I wish I would have known the potential dangers 10 years ago. I may not have used these drugs.
My plan is to visit a highly qualified M.D. who develops treatment programs based on the health of the endocrine system, immune system, and symptoms that a patient has. He has a strong nutritional basis, and is not fond of drug therapies.
Are you feeling good riding things out?
Posted by SpaceFairy on April 8, 2004, at 10:21:38
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning??? » SpaceFairy, posted by bookgurl99 on April 8, 2004, at 8:06:18
> Wow! Good luck on finals.
>
> I was really glad to see the posting -- someone else has thought about this in the same way as I have. I am highly suspicious of certain physical health problems that I developed suddenly after starting or quitting an SSRI. In addition, I wonder if the stimulus has weakened my adrenals. In a short period of time, I have become much older-looking and feeling.
>
> I wish I would have known the potential dangers 10 years ago. I may not have used these drugs.
>
> My plan is to visit a highly qualified M.D. who develops treatment programs based on the health of the endocrine system, immune system, and symptoms that a patient has. He has a strong nutritional basis, and is not fond of drug therapies.
>
> Are you feeling good riding things out?Hi there!
Thanks for posting back & also for the good luck wish (I am going to need it!).
It is quite possible that you could be suffering with 'Adrenal Exhaustion Syndrome' (however, I obviously am unable to diagnose that). What kind of symptoms are you suffering from? One point of interest to you may be:
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/pinealstory.htm
I completely agree with you about wishing that I had been aware of the dangers before taking these medications - research has proved that up to 10% of caucasian people are unable to metabolise SSRI's. I happen to be one of the unfortunate few! As a result, my symptoms have been mistaken for mental health problems - and the dose of the medication increased or I have been changed on to different ones.
I am glad that you have decided to seek professional help. The link that I gave in my previous posting details the importance of diet & lifestyle.
As for the question of whether I'm feeling good at the moment - it's debatable. I am pleased that I have finally been able to ascertain that I have an intolerability to these types of psychopharmaceuticals, but I have been left with a legacy of problems (anxiety, tardive dystonia, tremor & significantly imapired cognitive functioning - esp. short-term memory & concentration). I hope that these will fade in time, and am reassured by the fact that I have overcome withdrawal problems before.
Take care!
SpaceFairy
Posted by francesco on April 8, 2004, at 14:33:53
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by SpaceFairy on April 8, 2004, at 10:21:38
Ho do you know if you are unable to metabolize SSRIs ? Is it just SSRIs or any antidepressants ?
Thanks
Posted by SpaceFairy on April 9, 2004, at 3:05:27
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning??? » SpaceFairy, posted by francesco on April 8, 2004, at 14:33:53
> Ho do you know if you are unable to metabolize SSRIs ? Is it just SSRIs or any antidepressants ?
> ThanksHi!
Thanks for posting such interesting questions. I had to look in to this a bit further, and I think I have got the answer (but please consult a medical expert, as this is not my area). Basically, if you lack the P450 2D6 liver enzyme this will lead to an inability to metabolise serotongeric and tricyclic antidepressants. MAOI's are implicated with the enzyme, but the only info that I can find is surrounding the long established risk of mixing them with other drugs. New methods have been developed to detect the ability through something called cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) genotyping. That's the science bit (just in case you wanted to look the key words up through a search engine). One link is
http://www.preskorn.com/books/ssri_s7.html?print=1Now - what it means for us! As far as I am aware, this can be done through analysis of our blood. If I'm right this could have massive implications - a simple blood test before prescribing antidepressants could predict the probability of experiencing a negative reaction. As I say, this is not really my field so I'm not 100% sure - & also, it seems so simplistic that I would imagine that it would have been in place already what with all the controversy & everything.
I'll post a couple of message around the experts & see what response I get back & let you know.
Take care,
Space Fairy
Posted by chemist on April 9, 2004, at 23:33:21
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by SpaceFairy on April 9, 2004, at 3:05:27
> > Ho do you know if you are unable to metabolize SSRIs ? Is it just SSRIs or any antidepressants ?
> > Thanks
>
> Hi!
>
> Thanks for posting such interesting questions. I had to look in to this a bit further, and I think I have got the answer (but please consult a medical expert, as this is not my area). Basically, if you lack the P450 2D6 liver enzyme this will lead to an inability to metabolise serotongeric and tricyclic antidepressants. MAOI's are implicated with the enzyme, but the only info that I can find is surrounding the long established risk of mixing them with other drugs. New methods have been developed to detect the ability through something called cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) genotyping. That's the science bit (just in case you wanted to look the key words up through a search engine). One link is
> http://www.preskorn.com/books/ssri_s7.html?print=1
>
> Now - what it means for us! As far as I am aware, this can be done through analysis of our blood. If I'm right this could have massive implications - a simple blood test before prescribing antidepressants could predict the probability of experiencing a negative reaction. As I say, this is not really my field so I'm not 100% sure - & also, it seems so simplistic that I would imagine that it would have been in place already what with all the controversy & everything.
>
> I'll post a couple of message around the experts & see what response I get back & let you know.
>
> Take care,
>
> Space Fairy
>
chemist here...there is a bit of misinformation above: monoamine oxidase inhibitors are antagonists for the enzyme monoamine oxidase. the mechinism my which this enzyme works is by deaminating drugs with a secondary or tertiary amine, as found in phenethylamine derivatives such as parnate and nardil. monoamine oxidase is prevalent throughout our bodies, and if you are taking an MAOI, you risk hypertension/stroke due to excessive buildup of the ``unmetabolized'' parent compund, which is most pronounced for CNS agents such as Nardil and Parnate. as for metabolism of SSRIs and others: it is most common that the parent compund is not the psychoactive agent - e.g., diazepam (valium) is metabolized to nordiazepam which does the work - and SSRIs are not autoinducers of CYP450A (i generalize) and you need not worry about cognitive impairment, as this is *strongly* tied to agonism of neuronal nicotine receptors, which are implicated in alzheimer's, parkinson's, and schizophrenia. now, i have to say that most SSRIs are metabolized via the CYP 450 2D6 enzyme, although this is of import if you are taking tricyclics, which you are not. if you have liver disfunction, it is prudent to play it safe, but in general, the SSRIs of yesteryear and today are very safe....best, chemist
Posted by SpaceFairy on April 10, 2004, at 2:11:50
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by chemist on April 9, 2004, at 23:33:21
Hi Chemist,
Thanks for the reply. As I said yesterday this really isn't my field of expertise (well the nerurobiology isn't!), so I've been doing a bit of digging & managed to find out the following:
"Some drugs are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 2D6 enzymes, individuals having a deficiency of this enzyme will have a higher toxicity of drugs metabolized by them. It is not possible to generalize which drugs are metabolized by the enzyme system, since different drugs undergo different pathways of metabolism. Yes, Pharmacogenetics can be used to select individual for particular therapy, though it still is a very expensive way of deciding.You are right in assuming that the test can bve carried out using a blood sample, this could be done by studying what is known as an ex-vivo system. That is you give the drug to the whole individual and then test for metabolites in the blood."
and also:
"This type of determination is still very much at the research stage but as you are probably aware has become a prime target to explain certain drug interactions. There are so many isoenzymes in the cytochrome P450 group that it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up-to-date with them. Different types are involved with different drugs and just because one SSRI affects one subtype it does not follow that a similar SSRI will affect the same subtype, never mind the MAOIs et al. As far as I know the technology is available do the appropriate genotyping on a blood sample but it is not yet a routine test and is unlikely to be so for several years yet."
As of for the risk of cognitive impairment, there have been short-term risks identified by many studies & case files (in individauls who are unable to metabolist these drugs), and also the PANES report (Lathe) outlines the possibility for longer term damage. As for the trycyclics, whilst I did not suffer any long-term cognitive problems with them I have been left with tardive tremor. Whilst there are a significant amount of people that find these drugs beneficial, we must also address the possibility that they can cause damage with others. After all, is that not why more & more research is looking at gli cells as being instrumental in mental health problems, with the aim of developing safer medications?
Best wishes, SpaceFairy
Posted by SpaceFairy on April 10, 2004, at 3:03:22
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by chemist on April 9, 2004, at 23:33:21
Hi Chemist,
Sorry - it just occurred to me at breakfast that the correct reference for the PANES report is indeed Green - Laithe actually reported specifically on the long-term effects of Venlafaxine.
Best wishes,
SpaceFairy
Posted by chemist on April 10, 2004, at 19:05:43
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning??? » chemist, posted by SpaceFairy on April 10, 2004, at 2:11:50
spacefairy, you are right-on in re: the miasma of isoenzymes involved in metabolizing any drug. as you note - and i certainly agree - the goal is the pinpoint effective therapies and, sadly, this is currently done using the shotgun approach by most mental healthcare practitioners (``don't like prozac? try some remeron...how about paxil?'' etc.). the cognitive impairment by SSRIs or TCSa baffles me, and i am wont to attribute these effects to (very) particular genetic variations in subpopulations, as the receptors targeted by SSRIs/TCAs are not those implicated in neurodegenerative diseases (neuronal nicotine receptors, for one). in any event, all the white-papers by every manufacturer of an SSRI/TCA does in fact reflect what you correctly note in re: the hepatic pathway for metabolism. i stand corrected and wish you well...best, chemist
> Hi Chemist,
>
> Thanks for the reply. As I said yesterday this really isn't my field of expertise (well the nerurobiology isn't!), so I've been doing a bit of digging & managed to find out the following:
>
> "Some drugs are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 2D6 enzymes, individuals having a deficiency of this enzyme will have a higher toxicity of drugs metabolized by them. It is not possible to generalize which drugs are metabolized by the enzyme system, since different drugs undergo different pathways of metabolism. Yes, Pharmacogenetics can be used to select individual for particular therapy, though it still is a very expensive way of deciding.You are right in assuming that the test can bve carried out using a blood sample, this could be done by studying what is known as an ex-vivo system. That is you give the drug to the whole individual and then test for metabolites in the blood."
>
> and also:
>
> "This type of determination is still very much at the research stage but as you are probably aware has become a prime target to explain certain drug interactions. There are so many isoenzymes in the cytochrome P450 group that it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up-to-date with them. Different types are involved with different drugs and just because one SSRI affects one subtype it does not follow that a similar SSRI will affect the same subtype, never mind the MAOIs et al. As far as I know the technology is available do the appropriate genotyping on a blood sample but it is not yet a routine test and is unlikely to be so for several years yet."
>
> As of for the risk of cognitive impairment, there have been short-term risks identified by many studies & case files (in individauls who are unable to metabolist these drugs), and also the PANES report (Lathe) outlines the possibility for longer term damage. As for the trycyclics, whilst I did not suffer any long-term cognitive problems with them I have been left with tardive tremor. Whilst there are a significant amount of people that find these drugs beneficial, we must also address the possibility that they can cause damage with others. After all, is that not why more & more research is looking at gli cells as being instrumental in mental health problems, with the aim of developing safer medications?
>
> Best wishes, SpaceFairy
>
Posted by terrics on April 11, 2004, at 11:14:26
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by SpaceFairy on April 8, 2004, at 3:47:10
Love your screen name. I looked at the link you posted and really did not find anything about cognitive function. I have alot of trouble remembering the names of things. I am on effexor xr, lithium, klonopin, wellbutrin and inderal. If you find anything else about cognitive functiong and meds I hope you will share. terrics
Posted by allie1962 on April 21, 2004, at 16:32:27
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Mike Lynch on April 1, 2004, at 17:12:53
hi, my daughter was put on lexapro about 3 weeks ago and is currently in the process of being taken off. she cannot function on it at all, it took all the life out of her she cannot even hold a conversation. she is being treated for depression and this made her worse. is she ever going to come back to a person who has thoughts and ideas. she says she cannot even concentrate on anything. she just startes blanky into space I am so concerned that this is irreversible
Posted by bookgurl99 on April 21, 2004, at 19:20:43
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by allie1962 on April 21, 2004, at 16:32:27
Hey Allie --
It sounds like your daughter just had a strong reaction to Lexapro. But she will likely start to be better within the month. This may have been the wrong stimulus, or too much.
Those of us who complain of the long-term negative cognitive effects of meds have, for the most part, been taking these medications for a VERY long time -- years at a time, if not longer. Three weeks of use should wear off fairly quickly.
It's interesting that the SSRI's 'took all the life' out of her -- a lot of people complain about feeling zombiefied on meds. Maybe anxiety was helping her to function in some ways, by motivating her.
Anyways, I think that she will be fine from the med if she has enough time. And then should not be scared to find another method -- therapy, another medication, etc. -- to combat the depression.
Good luck,
books
Posted by Kelle on April 26, 2004, at 18:55:22
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning??? » Mike Lynch, posted by francesco on April 2, 2004, at 14:00:03
I've been on Zoloft for almost 3 months now. I am experiencing what I think is pretty troubling cognitive impairment. I have a high-stress job at a PR agency and find myself unable to concentrate. My short-term memory is completely shot, I will get up to do something and completely forget what it was a second later. Or, I'll start to say something and then...pooof...it's just gone! I don't seem to be able to put together complex thoughts...or I start to but can't finish any idea to the end. My thoughts are scattered. And, sometimes thoughts just pop into my head for no apparent reason. I'll have a completely random memory just "pop in" - it's really bizarre and kind of scary. It's also embarassing - I have been talking to colleagues and clients and all of a sudden don't know what I was going to say next. I almost feel retarded sometimes. What's so bizarre is that I have always been the complete opposite - I generally have a memory like a "steel trap" and everyone I know has told me that I should have been a lawyer (not necessarily a good thing ;> ) because of my reasoning, analytical, argument skills. BUT this is all gone now!! I feel like a complete idiot. Also, early this morning, I woke up after having really bizarre nightmares and dreams and it seemed I was having some type of lingering hallucination. When I opened my eyes, I saw an image of small balls spinning. I kept blinking my eyes and after a few minutes, it did pass. But, that totally freaked me out. Something like that has NEVER EVER happened to me. I'm relating it to the Zoloft and I think I'll be calling my dr. to start getting off of this stuff.
Posted by LyndaK on April 27, 2004, at 1:32:01
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Kelle on April 26, 2004, at 18:55:22
I haven't read all the posts before yours, but I just had to respond to yours. I took Zoloft off and on for 5 or 6 years and the cognitive side-effects were what finally made me decide that I could not stay with it. Since I went off and on (having my babies) I knew for CERTAIN that the Zoloft was causing these effects. It was much like what you describe only with time and increased dose it contintued to get worse and worse. Eventually it impaired my long-term memory as well -- couldn't remember the alarm code to my house; couldn't remember phone numbers that had been in my head 10 or more years. I felt like a stroke patient. The bad news is, if you're having these symptoms, they WON'T get better. The good news is, all of my memory came back to normal once the Zoloft was completely out of my system. Make sure you work with your doctor to taper off the Zoloft. Not only does it feel awful if you go cold-turkey, it can also throw you into a re-bound depression that's more severe (one time I went cold-turkey and became suicidal). Just my experience, but I wouldn't want you to risk experiencing the same. Do a nice SLOW taper off and you'll be fine.
Good luck.
Lynda
> I've been on Zoloft for almost 3 months now. I am experiencing what I think is pretty troubling cognitive impairment. I have a high-stress job at a PR agency and find myself unable to concentrate. My short-term memory is completely shot, I will get up to do something and completely forget what it was a second later. Or, I'll start to say something and then...pooof...it's just gone! I don't seem to be able to put together complex thoughts...or I start to but can't finish any idea to the end. My thoughts are scattered. And, sometimes thoughts just pop into my head for no apparent reason. I'll have a completely random memory just "pop in" - it's really bizarre and kind of scary. It's also embarassing - I have been talking to colleagues and clients and all of a sudden don't know what I was going to say next. I almost feel retarded sometimes. What's so bizarre is that I have always been the complete opposite - I generally have a memory like a "steel trap" and everyone I know has told me that I should have been a lawyer (not necessarily a good thing ;> ) because of my reasoning, analytical, argument skills. BUT this is all gone now!! I feel like a complete idiot. Also, early this morning, I woke up after having really bizarre nightmares and dreams and it seemed I was having some type of lingering hallucination. When I opened my eyes, I saw an image of small balls spinning. I kept blinking my eyes and after a few minutes, it did pass. But, that totally freaked me out. Something like that has NEVER EVER happened to me. I'm relating it to the Zoloft and I think I'll be calling my dr. to start getting off of this stuff.
Posted by SpaceFairy on April 27, 2004, at 2:41:56
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by Kelle on April 26, 2004, at 18:55:22
Hi there!
Sorry to hear you have been going through problems. However, it is good that you are at a level where you are able to identify a problem (unfortunately I was on such a high dose of venlafaxine for a prolonged period of time I was too confused to know what was happening). I am not trained medically, but all the symptoms that you describe are well reported adverse effects of SSRI & SNRI medications. If you truly feel that you would be better off on balance without the medication then I would strongly advise you to go to your doctor. However, even with all the information that has come to light I have found a great deal of ignorance amongst the medical profession, so I would advise looking at sites such as antidepressantsfacts.com first - this will enable you to approach your doctor with all the latest information & also has some great tips for helping you recover. I literally had to educate my doctor! The good news is that I have been medication free now for 6 months and my cognitive ability is almost back to normal (this will probably be shorter for you since you have not been on the medication for as long).
Good luck!
SpaceFairy
> I've been on Zoloft for almost 3 months now. I am experiencing what I think is pretty troubling cognitive impairment. I have a high-stress job at a PR agency and find myself unable to concentrate. My short-term memory is completely shot, I will get up to do something and completely forget what it was a second later. Or, I'll start to say something and then...pooof...it's just gone! I don't seem to be able to put together complex thoughts...or I start to but can't finish any idea to the end. My thoughts are scattered. And, sometimes thoughts just pop into my head for no apparent reason. I'll have a completely random memory just "pop in" - it's really bizarre and kind of scary. It's also embarassing - I have been talking to colleagues and clients and all of a sudden don't know what I was going to say next. I almost feel retarded sometimes. What's so bizarre is that I have always been the complete opposite - I generally have a memory like a "steel trap" and everyone I know has told me that I should have been a lawyer (not necessarily a good thing ;> ) because of my reasoning, analytical, argument skills. BUT this is all gone now!! I feel like a complete idiot. Also, early this morning, I woke up after having really bizarre nightmares and dreams and it seemed I was having some type of lingering hallucination. When I opened my eyes, I saw an image of small balls spinning. I kept blinking my eyes and after a few minutes, it did pass. But, that totally freaked me out. Something like that has NEVER EVER happened to me. I'm relating it to the Zoloft and I think I'll be calling my dr. to start getting off of this stuff.
Posted by SLS on April 27, 2004, at 10:15:07
In reply to Re: ssri's effect on cognitive functioning???, posted by SpaceFairy on April 27, 2004, at 2:41:56
I took a peak at the website you mentioned: antidepressantsfacts.com
I would not recommend it. It seems to be dedicated to demonizing psychotropic drugs. It is a matter of perspective. With an obviously biased agenda, someone over there seems to have made it his life's work to remove a set of valuable medical tools and selfishly deny millions of people a modern miracle. Someone is on a mission to convince people that antidepressants are universally destructive and, perhaps, a product of some sort of covert collusion. That's silly. :-)
Most of what this website contains is factually true. It makes for a pursuasive argument that antidepressants possess undesirable attributes. Of course they do. This is not such a unique circumstance. To read the PDR is to voyage through the plethora of adverse and sometimes fatal side effects that so many of these valuable drugs produce. Without the benefit of numbers and statistics, however; that is to say, without the benefit of a perspective that is provided only by knowing ALL of the facts, one cannot evaluate properly the risks versus the benefits of these treatments. Yes, there is such a thing as a magic pill, and, fortunately, they already exist. It is the life's work of thousands of men and women around the world to develop even more magic pills that are more effective, safer, and have fewer side effects.
- Scott
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