Can SSRIs cause permenant cognitive issues?

[construct]

Hello friends,

I recently started a 20mg per day regimen of Lexapro in conjunction with therapy to deal with some depression and social anxiety issues that have been reoccurring for a number of years. I have been doing a lot of Internet research and have found a number of folks who state that they are suffering from cognitive issues (e.g. a cloudy mind, inability to articulate to their usual capacity, poor short term memory, etc.) that were the result of SSRIs and which have not improved upon the cessation of the medication. It seems to me that most of these people were long-term SSRI users.

Has anyone here experienced permanent cognitive decline that didn't improve? Are there any studies anyone could point me to with contrary or affirmative evidence? My doctor said that SSRIs actually can have neuroprotective abilities and that some users report lasting antidepressant effects after they stop the medication, but I have not found any studies suggesting this. I have, though, read some anecdotal reports that reinforced it. Those few times that I get to experience a clear and sharp mind are when I am happiest, and I do not want to lose that.

Although my anxiety and depression patterns definitely need to be altered, I have been doing some soul-searching lately (and frankly really working myself up in a negative way) about my choice to go on to SSRIs. I really kind of jumped into the treatment. It is a real catch 22 because diet, exercise, sleep, and therapy were not quite enough on their own, but I'm having some real reservations now about continuing my treatment for the reasons already mentioned.

I'd also really enjoy some SSRI success stories to make me feel better about this decision.

Lastly, I would appreciate it if everyone would please refrain from turning this into a discussion on the ethics of antidepressants and pharmaceutical companies. I just want to hear about some experiences and learn about some of the science behind these drugs.

Every response is appreciated!

 

[graugeist]

Many psychiatric medications have some uncomfortable side effects that usually dissipate after a few weeks or months. The only way to be sure of whether or not your medications are helping is to remain on them for at the very least one month, but it's usually better to give it a little longer. The side effects, in my experience, always go away after a few weeks to a month. Keep in mind that a lot of people who really need to be on medications become jaded and dislike the idea that they have a mental health issue or a mental illness. The stigma, in my experience, is what causes a lot of people to hold very negative views of psychology, therapy, and medications.

If you are still having side effects that you find intolerable after you have given the medications a while to start working (they usually do not even start working therapeutically until several weeks or a month at least) you should be able to speak to your doctor and he should then help you to taper down the dose or switch you safely to another medication. Finding the right medications, combinations of medications, and dosage can take a lot of trial and error. For me it was well worth it because I have been able to live my life in a much easier way and I have been able to follow through with many goals that I otherwise would not have been able to without the medications.

In addition to this, your doctor should be able to provide you with as much information about the medications as he can if you request that information. If you have questions about your medications or treatment you should definitely talk to your doctor or treatment team about them as soon as those questions or concerns come up. You don't have to remain on the medications if the side effects won't go away. The treatment is supposed to help, not hinder you.

Hopefully some of this will be useful to you. Just stick it out for a bit longer and work closely with your doctor. Even if you end up not jiving well with your doctor you can always find another one

I would encourage you to continue doing your own research. The more you know about your condition and the available treatments the more informed you will be and you will be able to take a more active role in your treatment. You will also be able to get more use out of your doctor.

 

[burn out]

diet, exercise, sleep, and therapy were not quite enough on their own,

what diets have you tried?

 

[bagochina]

Personally SSRI's drugs I hate with a passion, for some strange reason. I dont know why I hold rage towrd them. I think there is a very good chance they can cause permenant damage. There hasnt been too many long term studies concerning that.

The society is a quick fix society pills pills pills a go go. It is going to hurt society in the long run IMO. I have probably tried 6-7-8-9 different anti-d's thru the years they all made me feel worse, go figure. Plus the addictive potential, have you ever seen anybody in prozac w/d? Scary shit. The way they regulate the chemicals in our brain IMO is much more dangerous than illicit drugs, maybe.

peace,
seedless

 

[n3ophy7e]

^^ I totally respect your opinion on the matter Seedless, but remember that what you've said is also yet to be confirmed or discluded So it's best not to state such things as facts until they've been proven.
SSRIs have helped millions of people feel better/more normal with their emotional states, but they have also made a lot of people feel a whole lot worse. It just goes to show that different method of treatment work better or worse for different individuals.

what diets have you tried?

No, I think he meant better diet, not diets, i.e. just eating healthier etc. Which can be a huge help to one's emotional state.

graugeist hit the nail on the head though.

 

[miluardo]

^^ I totally respect your opinion on the matter Seedless, but remember that what you've said is also yet to be confirmed or discluded So it's best not to state such things as facts until they've been proven.
SSRIs have helped millions of people feel better/more normal with their emotional states, but they have also made a lot of people feel a whole lot worse. It just goes to show that different method of treatment work better or worse for different individuals.



No, I think he meant better diet, not diets, i.e. just eating healthier etc. Which can be a huge help to one's emotional state.

graugeist hit the nail on the head though.

Eating whole foods, eating regularly, maintenance of a stable glycemic level is all good shit.

When you don't have enough energy your brain starts kicking off functions that it doesn't need. The first one to go is...

MOOD REGULATION!

Keep your brain and body stoked all day, everyday on WHOLE foods(shit you'd find in the wild), and try and avoid starvation / extended periods without eating. Also try and avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes.

Physical activity once daily will do WONDERS as well.

 

[burn out]

No, I think he meant better diet, not diets, i.e. just eating healthier etc. Which can be a huge help to one's emotional state.

graugeist hit the nail on the head though.

i know what he meant, i just wondered what he meant by it in the sense of what he considered a healthy diet. some peoples idea of healthy can still contain a host of things which can be harmful and negatively effect mood. it is very difficult to maintain a truly good diet in a society like the one we live in.

 

[ONCOR]

Hello friends,

I recently started a 20mg per day regimen of Lexapro in conjunction with therapy to deal with some depression and social anxiety issues that have been reoccurring for a number of years. I have been doing a lot of Internet research and have found a number of folks who state that they are suffering from cognitive issues (e.g. a cloudy mind, inability to articulate to their usual capacity, poor short term memory, etc.) that were the result of SSRIs and which have not improved upon the cessation of the medication. It seems to me that most of these people were long-term SSRI users.

Has anyone here experienced permanent cognitive decline that didn't improve? Are there any studies anyone could point me to with contrary or affirmative evidence? My doctor said that SSRIs actually can have neuroprotective abilities and that some users report lasting antidepressant effects after they stop the medication, but I have not found any studies suggesting this. I have, though, read some anecdotal reports that reinforced it. Those few times that I get to experience a clear and sharp mind are when I am happiest, and I do not want to lose that.

Although my anxiety and depression patterns definitely need to be altered, I have been doing some soul-searching lately (and frankly really working myself up in a negative way) about my choice to go on to SSRIs. I really kind of jumped into the treatment. It is a real catch 22 because diet, exercise, sleep, and therapy were not quite enough on their own, but I'm having some real reservations now about continuing my treatment for the reasons already mentioned.

I'd also really enjoy some SSRI success stories to make me feel better about this decision.

Lastly, I would appreciate it if everyone would please refrain from turning this into a discussion on the ethics of antidepressants and pharmaceutical companies. I just want to hear about some experiences and learn about some of the science behind these drugs.

Every response is appreciated!

I was on SSRIs and they fucked me up big time, I know many people on them that they don't though.

With me, they caused respirtory issues and my memory was shit. The thought process was just shot. My nervous system was shot. Walking was becoming a slight task.

I also was starting to have chest pains and intense migranes.


My mom her SSRIs work just fine for her and actually have helped her "shakes" to stop too.

I have issues with alot of medications so it could just be my "allergies".

I hear that CBT is great help along with SSRIs. I have heard the good and the bad. As long as you are making the right decision for you, then that's what matters.

I hope things go well

 

[construct]

graugeist, thank you for that response. I agree with what you said, particularly about communicating with my doctor and observing how I react the the medication.

what diets have you tried?

My diet isn't highly specialized; I just try to be conscious of what I eat. This includes several fresh fruits and vegetables per day, adequate protein (I am vegetarian), good fiber intake, flax-seed oil supplements for omega-fatty acids, and a multi-vitamin. I stay away from refined sugars and processed food as much as I can. Can you offer any critique or point me to some good resources?


ONCOR, I am very sorry to hear about those complications. Those are reasons why I am hesitant to continue treatment on SSRIs. I have a phobia of cognitive decline for a number of reasons (I'm sure a lot of other people do too), but I suppose that I am comforted by the fact that people suffering from the symptoms you have are in the minority. It just frightens me to be noodling with my neurochemistry when I have not read any conclusive evidence about how these things impact the brain in the long-term.


miluardo, everything you spoke seems true to me, but I sometimes these find those ways of reducing depression lacking. Sometimes I can get too depressed to eat well or exercise, so I have reasoned that I could use an extra push to assist me with my mood. Likewise, sometimes I am still depressed after vigorous excercise and eating well. Still, you posted some good advice there.

 

[powdakilla]

S.S.R.Is definitely saved my life. I've been on them for five years now, and my life has changed so much for the better since then. I also had my diet and exercise regimens and was still not happy. 20 mg of celexa a day and I'm like a different person.
My one caution is to be aware how long you might be on them. I'm almost 30 now, and don't think that quitting them anytime soon will be an option, but why would I want too, with how well they are still working?

 

[construct]

Thanks powdakilla, that is encouraging to hear. So you haven't noticed any prolonged side-effects?

 

[powdakilla]

The only issue I've had is going off of them a few times due to financial constraints, Itdoesn't take long to get really depressed way worse than you might have been before. But if exercise, and diet and the other stuff aren't cutting it, then it (medication) can be someones best option.
The thing I've learned (since just starting therapy) is that if someones issues are severe enough to need medication, they probably need counselling as well, and all the drugs in the world will only mask the problem, if you're not getting to the root of it. Just like all the therapy in the world can't always help someone who has a chemical issue in their body.
But give them a try, give it at least two weeks to see a change (I noticed mine within a couple of days), Sign up for group counseling (or private if you have acces to it, I don't), because the meds can make you feel so much better, that one will start to overlook the root causes. Good luck with everything...Sometimes a better day just starts by forcing yourself to smile...

 

[thelung]

I have been using SSRI medications for years and I've never noticed anything remotely close to what you're speaking of. Since first being diagnosed as having major depression, I have tried most of the available SSRI's with the exception of Zoloft. Currently I take 200mg of Fluvoxamine (Luvox) per day and I firmly believe that it has helped to save me from a life of crippling depression.

 

[construct]

Thank you both for responding. I am beginning to have a feeling that my paranoia may have just been caused by reading some worst-case-scenario horror stories on the web. I still wish there were more studies I could find that deal with long-term use and effects, though.

 

[dude1234]

suffering from cognitive issues (e.g. a cloudy mind, inability to articulate to their usual capacity, poor short term memory, etc.)

Whats up construct.

I as well have the dreaded s.a.d and depression. I was prescribed 20 mg/day of fluexotine(prozac) about 3 years ago. This shit did WONDERS!!! I became outgoing again and not so nervous all the time. Made ALOT of new friends during this time, some of which are my best friends today. Keyword being was mind you.

They say these pills can "poop out" on you after some time, losing their effectiveness and leaving you in your previous state of shit. For about the last 3 months I have been in the worst depression of my freaking life.

Just the other night I was laying in bed cradling a knife thinking about what all my friends would say at my funeral( just got the chills). Im totally decided now in not commiting suicide but that feeling of despair and emptiness still creeps inside of me, sometimes dormant but at other times it wakes up and when that happens its no longer inside me. Im inside it. Consumed.

The scary part is I think the whole suicide thing is a side effect from the A.D. I originally hopped on the prozac train for my s.a.d and o.c.d, I wasn't even depressed. Well thats certainly changed. I have left my house maybe 5 times in the past 3 months, havent answered my phone at all, and my beds like my safe little island I never leave, mainly because I dont have the energy to swim(blah feeling). Before I was outside doing something EVERYDAY, this recluse thing is sooo not like me. I've had this brain fog for longer than I can remember now(probably bc of the god damned brain fog) and it is so fucking frustrating.

I'm at a constant loss for a word, cannot remember shit, not as quick witted(actually feel slow), feel like a stoned zombie. I have all the negative cognitive side effects you posted. I'm not sure what to attribute this to but I think it might be the prozac or maybe from the depression the prozac has induced.

My advice would be to use the A.D. for a short time along with some therapy, which I've heard can be very effective because the A.D. gives you that extra boost to see the light. Everyone is different though it might not have any negative side effects for you and you can take it as long as you please, this is just my advice based on my personal experience.

Sorry for the looong post but I have one more thing. I'm gonna try and wean myself off the prozac any ideas how I should go about doing this would be greatly appreciated. I currently take one 20mg a day and have been doing so for the past 3 years.

Good, scratch that.. GREAT LUCK construct in constructing a happier life for yourself.

 

[Sl1pp3Ry]

SSRI's can have long lasting consequences in the brain due to their mechanism of action. Ultimately, these drugs change the regulation of genes in serotonin containing neurons through their secondary effect on G-protein coupled second messenger systems that work to turn certain genes on/off; thereby affecting their expression and transcription.
Consequently, these drugs cause significant, long lasting changes both within cells and also cellular networks in areas such as the hippocampus (brain region associated with leaning and memory, amygdala (emotion), frontal cortex (executive decision making and processing). While these changes can be negative in the short-term, your brain chemistry tends to establish an equilibrium and they are negated over time in most patients. That being said, most people who need SSRI's tend to benefit from them in the short and long term but that is not to say they do not have potentially serious side effects or that they will be beneficial for you.
I have found that most of the negative side effects associated with SSRI's (such as spaciness, headaches, moderate agitation, sleep disturbances, ect) to be most sever within the first few months of treatment and then increasingly manageable thereafter. Of course, everyone is different and I am sure there are others who would contend otherwise.
My best advice is to proceed and stay vigilant with your doctor to monitor the effects and how it is working for you. If you don't think it for you then you should always ween yourself off the medication with the help of your doctor over the course of a several weeks. Never stop taking the medication all together, as this can lead to trouble. You sound as though you are approaching this in the correct manner, however, in that you are informed and are trying to learn as much as you can. Best of luck to you and I hope it works out regardless of the SSRI treatment.

 

[Mariposa]

Above post is exactly what I'd have said, only much better!

I won't personally take SSRIs as I can't get past the side effects. My doc and I worked on it, and it just wasn't happening. I now take 50 mg tramadol off-label. It was somewhat of a last resort, but I'm not depressed anymore.

Your post really illustrates the complexity of depression. You should read Listening to Prozac by Dr. Peter Kramer. I promise you it will be an enlightening experience.

Good luck. Remember that while you cannot control what happens to you, you can control how you react.

 

[Sweet P]

I'd been on SSRI's for about a decade before I was switched to Wellbutrin (a DNRI). Apart from the discontinuation syndrome, which lasted a couple of weeks or more, I haven't had any lasting side effects. I have yet to see any scientific evidence showing that there are permanent complications.