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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by CraigD on April 14, 2004, at 22:00:13
I'm not usually one to post expansive existential questions on this board, but I really need to start up a dialog about emotional blunting on SSRIs.
This is my third jaunt on them (celexa for the second time) and I'm noticing a deleterious effect on my love life. NOw the sexual side effects are obvious, but I'm talking about that excitement, engagement, the pining, and hope that comes along when you meet someone new. It's gone.
I can say I've truly been in love twice in the past 10 years, and both times have been when I'm not on any medications. Now it's true that I'm able to romantacize and long for past relationships when I'm on the SSRI's, but there's something missing when I try to meet someone new.
I'm guessing that part of what makes love a strong emotion is need and the contrast of loneliness. If these "negative" emotions are checked by the SSRIs, How is that magic ever going to happen?
It sucks because without the meds I'm anxious, obsessed with abandonment and convinced I'm unloveable. I'm much more of a catch on the meds, but I feel like I've removed myself from the sea altogether.
I'm wondering if dropping the SSRIs and just doing a benzo to quell the anxiety. Is a good Idea.
I welcome everyone's thoughts and experiences and feedback on the topic.
Cheers,
CraigAnyone else feel like this?
Posted by cybercafe on April 14, 2004, at 23:51:11
In reply to Love and Prozac, Love and Prozac, posted by CraigD on April 14, 2004, at 22:00:13
> I'm not usually one to post expansive existential questions on this board, but I really need to start up a dialog about emotional blunting on SSRIs.
>
> This is my third jaunt on them (celexa for the second time) and I'm noticing a deleterious effect on my love life. NOw the sexual side effects are obvious, but I'm talking about that excitement, engagement, the pining, and hope that comes along when you meet someone new. It's gone.
>
> I can say I've truly been in love twice in the past 10 years, and both times have been when I'm not on any medications. Now it's true that I'm able to romantacize and long for past relationships when I'm on the SSRI's, but there's something missing when I try to meet someone new.
>
> I'm guessing that part of what makes love a strong emotion is need and the contrast of loneliness. If these "negative" emotions are checked by the SSRIs, How is that magic ever going to happen?
>
> It sucks because without the meds I'm anxious, obsessed with abandonment and convinced I'm unloveable. I'm much more of a catch on the meds, but I feel like I've removed myself from the sea altogether.
>
> I'm wondering if dropping the SSRIs and just doing a benzo to quell the anxiety. Is a good Idea.
>
> I welcome everyone's thoughts and experiences and feedback on the topic.
>
> Cheers,
> Craig
>
> Anyone else feel like this?
>yeah celexa was the only ssri to cause emotional blunting for me
now i'm taking parnate and feeling fine (well.... could use some cash)
Posted by shadows721 on April 14, 2004, at 23:51:22
In reply to Love and Prozac, Love and Prozac, posted by CraigD on April 14, 2004, at 22:00:13
I think I understand what you are saying. I feel simular thing with Lexapro. I take the Lexapro, because it helps with the rage of depression that I was experiencing. It really is a trade off deal with these meds. What side effects are you willing to trade off for a serious debilitating condition. If you have no depression, the benzo would be an idea. If you still have depression, can you tolerate Wellbutrin for increased sexual ability?
When I was on Prozac for 2 years, I felt flat. I didn't feel enjoyment or depression. I couldn't cry at sad things either. I had to stop that drug. I don't have that yet with Lexapro, but the sex thing is non-existent.
Posted by francesco on April 15, 2004, at 8:29:20
In reply to Love and Prozac, Love and Prozac, posted by CraigD on April 14, 2004, at 22:00:13
What can I say ? We are on the same boat. I don't like how I feel on SSRIs. I think things were a bit better when I was on Anafranil (TCA). Today I've talked with a friend of mine who has just started Celexa and she said: "I don't care about anything anymore". I replied: "isn't that horrible ?" and she ansered: "I like it".
You're right, it's difficult to fall in love while on antidepressants. You feel well whatever, so, what's the point ? If you can quit it, this is my suggestion. Depression makes sense, numbness doesn't.
Posted by jms600 on April 15, 2004, at 16:47:27
In reply to Re: Love and Prozac, Love and Prozac » CraigD, posted by francesco on April 15, 2004, at 8:29:20
I'm taking Prozac and suffer from the "emotional numbness" sometimes. Still I sooner be emotionally flat, than in a very deep, black depression.
Posted by malka on April 26, 2004, at 12:07:06
In reply to Re: Love and Prozac, Love and Prozac, posted by cybercafe on April 14, 2004, at 23:51:11
Has anyone else found excessive hunger a side effect of Prozac? I've been on it a week and literally feel weak with hunger a lot of the time although I'm eating the same amount I did before the tablet! Am I burning up my food quicker or is it just doing weird things to my body? I hate the hunger and want to stop taking Prozac!! I'm only on 20mg and my doctor wants me up to 60mg!!
Posted by monu on April 30, 2004, at 10:25:24
In reply to Re: Love and Prozac, Love and Prozac, posted by malka on April 26, 2004, at 12:07:06
> Has anyone else found excessive hunger a side effect of Prozac? I've been on it a week and literally feel weak with hunger a lot of the time although I'm eating the same amount I did before the tablet! Am I burning up my food quicker or is it just doing weird things to my body? I hate the hunger and want to stop taking Prozac!! I'm only on 20mg and my doctor wants me up to 60mg!!
I started Prozac again about 3 weeks ago (40mg). I've been on and off of it a few times, and the side effects are mostly different every time. Except for one: HUNGER! I am hungry all the time, so I know how you feel. What's keeping me from gaining weight is that I eat fruit when I'm really hungry between meals. ALso, the excessive hunger is starting to go away now, so it's not too bad. Last time I was on Prozac I don't even remember if the hunger went away, but I was also eating all the time anyway and wouldn't allow myself to even feel hungry. Hope the hunger starts to go away for you! It should, but just try to eat well and don't listen to your hunger too much.
-M
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