Posted by Robert Hoffman on November 19, 2007, at 9:09:01
In reply to Re: SSRI Apathy- This is the *True* SSRI response! » Robert Hoffman, posted by Dinah on November 18, 2007, at 14:33:33
> I guess I like the clarification that all these varying problems aren't necessarily *caused* by the same lack of serotonin. I never felt comfortable with someone telling me confidently that my this or that was caused by a lack of a neurotransmitter in my brain just because it can be helped by supplying that same neurotransmitter. Penicillin can cure an infection, but not by balancing an antibacterial imbalance in my body. Just because a range of psychological problems can be helped by SSRI's doesn't mean that they have the same cause.
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> People can definitely be *helped* by these medications. When I took Luvox, at that time in my life I needed the effect it gave. I was postpartum, and in hormonal upheaval, and the hypersensitivity was causing a vicious circle. But there were probably other classes of drugs that would have helped just as well. I currently use Risperdal as needed to stop the cycle of hypersensitivity when it occurs. It works as well, and I can use it just when I need it. While SSRI's can't really be used that way. So my issues can be helped by SSRI's, but they can also be helped by other medications that produce a subset of the same effects.
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> Or that's what I figure anyway. My biochemical knowledge is tiny. :)Risperidal is an atypical neuroleptic used for schizophrenia originally but increasingly, like Seroquil, it is being used for depression when it is accompanied by a lot of anxiety. There is a small but real risk of tardive dyskinesia from it, but probably used as you are using it, unlikely. Do you find it more helpful than drugs like Xanax or Valium, which are safer when used on a prn basis (they are addictive when used regularly)? There may or may not be an antidepressant action from atypicals related to its effect on serotonin. It is hard to guide you without knowing more but I will also stand by what I wrote above, meds can be very helpful, but linking their use too religiously to diagnosis (rather than your specific psychological needs) I think is misguided.
poster:Robert Hoffman
thread:793535
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071115/msgs/795890.html