Posted by Questionmark on June 8, 2003, at 23:38:09
In reply to Re: Important Question-- SSRIs, etc., posted by linkadge on June 7, 2003, at 4:20:57
(Sorry, i didn't mean to make the word "relapse" appear as a book title in the above post).
Linkadge, thanks for the info and opinions. They were helpful and are things to think about.
> The sleep related decrease in REM, is mostly dose dependant, and can reduce over time.
Good point. But there is still such a dramatic overall reduction in REM, especially with Nardil, that it causes me some concern. One thing i really wonder is if this could affect memory to some significant extent.
> We are not sure that SSRI's cause brain dammage, but we do know for sure that they cause brain growth, in the hippocampus areas of the brain. Antidepressants and aerobic excercise are some of the only things known to do this.
Also really good points. i am concerned though, since fenfluramine and MDMA supposedly appear to cause damage to 5-HT neurons, and though these are agonists and not SRIs, the effect is still similar enough to make me worried. But i guess you're right-- if antidepressants increase BDNF levels and neuronal growth in the hippocampus, they ARE probably better overall for someone who needs them.. hopefully.
> My theory is that when a person takes an antidepressant, new connections are made, and new brain wiring is implemented, but without the drug it is hard for the brain to continue to use those new areas, resulting in a feeling of relative deprivation.
i agree with that theory-- insofar as the drug is helping, of course. But i am scared about how long this effect will last (until receptor downregulation, increased tolerance, and "poop-out" occur)-- and to what extent the reverse becomes true (reduction in neural connections, loss of brain cells, or etc.) once one discontinues the drug or even if/once "poop-out" occurs.
> I would personally recomend a months worth of vigerous excercise (1 hr day), before you asses your need for an AD.
> I don't say this in a stingy way at all. What I mean is that if you are suffering some imparement, it is highly likely that excercise will help reset (or not reset) the brain's wiring.Very good advice. i wish i would stop putting it off so much.
> Excercise, dramatically increases the level of BDNF which is a substance known for its antidepressant and adaptogenic function.Excellent point.
> **Excercise is very likely to take your chemistry back to where it was prior Paxil**
> Whenever I have come off AD's excercise helps the withdrawl, and helps me to more clearly reasses my need and dose of an Antidepressant.
> I came off 20 mg of Celexa which only 'sort of worked' started jogging for an hour each day, and then started back on 10 mg with *much better sucess* ...
> But excercise can help you get back to your genetic setpoint for mood - whatever that may be, good or not so good, and may help you make a decision.
That is all quite encouraging. Thanks.> Think of it this way - you started paxil for real probems, it may be that those real problems are reemerging. You may just need it again.
i dunno, it seemed like more than just that. But maybe you're right.
>
> Best of Luck
>
> LinkadgeAgain, thank you. Best of luck to you too.
poster:Questionmark
thread:232047
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030604/msgs/232516.html