Posted by SLS on February 8, 2016, at 17:27:38
In reply to Can AD's Cause Long-Term Damage that is Reversible, posted by babbler20 on February 8, 2016, at 15:15:36
> Hi, i've been on SSRI's for 23 years. 7 years ago, I developed severe chronic insomnia for the first time ever and my anxiety and depression became much worse. Is it possible that all these years of being on meds fried my receptors and that a break from medication will help me recover from this insomnia? Has anyone had experience with this? I didn't make any changes 7 years ago so the insomnia wasnt and isn't a side effect it is just a problem that first appeared back then
My position on this is that ADs can produce changes that persist. One example of this is the ability of an AD to produce a remission that lasts beyond drug discontinuation. Of course, this is the best of scenarios. Some people feel that SSRIs can produce amotivation and sexual side effects that last well after the drug is discontinued. I, myself, have experienced changes in various bodily functions as a result of exposure to TCAs. Another manifestation of long-term changes in psychobiological function produced by ADs, especially SSRIs, is the phenomenon of drug-induced drug refractoriness. If one attains full remission on an AD which lasts a decade, and then decides to discontinue it, it may not work if it has to be restarted upon relapse two months later. Long-term exposure to a drug can induce changes that are not easily reversed.
My advice to you is to:
1. Raise the dosage.
2. Discontinue the drug that you are on now and replace it with a yet untried treatment (includes combinations).
You might find that the insomnia and anxiety actually improve with the discontinuation of your current AD. The depression might get worse, though.
I'm sorry that you have to deal with this situation. You might have to feel worse before you feel better.
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1086030
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20160131/msgs/1086042.html