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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by robot on January 8, 2006, at 0:20:25
When I quit Lexapro, I had my first real remission of depression. More recently, I quit Zoloft, and had the same result--to a lesser degree, probably because before I was also on Wellbutrin. Then it was close, if not actually, hypomanic.
It lasted about 1.5 weeks the first time, same off the zoloft, maybe a little longer.
Anyone had the same experience?
Anyone have any theories?
Posted by linkadge on January 8, 2006, at 8:15:45
In reply to Feel great when you QUIT an SSRI?, posted by robot on January 8, 2006, at 0:20:25
Yes I have experienced the same thing many times. The effect has been noted with TCA's too.
One theory is that taking an SSRI for too long supresses dopaminergic neurotransmission, and that there is kind of a rebound when the drug is discontinued.
Antidepressants can oftentimes create chemical imballences, without you being aware.
Linkadge
Posted by blueberry on January 8, 2006, at 13:33:33
In reply to Feel great when you QUIT an SSRI?, posted by robot on January 8, 2006, at 0:20:25
I've noticed this phenomenon many times. It's almost as if the reuptake inhibition is like a dam slowing down the flow, and then when the dam is removed there is a rush of flow, which then after a couple days normalizes into the regular stream that was there before the dam. It's when that dam is first opened up that the initial increased flow results in a decent mood. Does that make sense? Just a rough theory I toss around.
In any case, the best I've ever felt was when I was decreasing the dose of an ssri. It's just that it only lasts a couple days. Darn. Wish I could figure out how to duplicate that effect, because if I could, I would be in complete remission.
Posted by Phillipa on January 8, 2006, at 18:45:22
In reply to Re: Feel great when you QUIT an SSRI?, posted by blueberry on January 8, 2006, at 13:33:33
Every time I take an AD I have such horrible side effects that my anxiety is way high. When I stop them it dramaticlly goes down making me less depressed. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by 4WD on January 8, 2006, at 22:14:56
In reply to Feel great when you QUIT an SSRI?, posted by robot on January 8, 2006, at 0:20:25
> When I quit Lexapro, I had my first real remission of depression. More recently, I quit Zoloft, and had the same result--to a lesser degree, probably because before I was also on Wellbutrin. Then it was close, if not actually, hypomanic.
> It lasted about 1.5 weeks the first time, same off the zoloft, maybe a little longer.
> Anyone had the same experience?
> Anyone have any theories?Yeah, and then feel suicidal three weeks later.
marsha
Posted by tepiaca on January 8, 2006, at 23:43:41
In reply to Re: Feel great when you QUIT an SSRI? » robot, posted by 4WD on January 8, 2006, at 22:14:56
Posted by Laurie Beth on January 9, 2006, at 13:24:22
In reply to Feel great when you QUIT an SSRI?, posted by robot on January 8, 2006, at 0:20:25
Well, not great, but noticeably better (coming down off Zoloft).
Posted by robot on January 9, 2006, at 23:48:27
In reply to Feel great when you QUIT an SSRI?, posted by robot on January 8, 2006, at 0:20:25
I have seriously thought about doing a 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off cycle. I would be surprised if there werent people on this board who have tried doing something like that. Right now, though, Im off prescription meds and Ill probably keep it that way.
And its something about the WAY the dopamine system, or whatever, readjusts. I dont think I can get the same effect from, say, just taking a bunch of Dopamine precursors, but maybe I havent taken the right ones. Havent tried L-Dopa. It is available OTC, right? But it probably has something to do with specific receptor systems.
It upsets me that my brain 'knows' how to feel good, it just doesnt. It just doesnt want to. And its something so simple, really.
Posted by University on January 10, 2006, at 15:33:03
In reply to Re: Feel great when you QUIT an SSRI?, posted by robot on January 9, 2006, at 23:48:27
I've been on Prozac for over 12 years--and am finally to the point where the abject apathy I experience is beginning to outweigh my fear of going off of Prozac--and on to something else. I've tried many augmentation methods: Wellbutrin, Dexedrine, Ritalin, and Provigil. The only thing that made a difference is Ritalin, but it's very dose-dependent and temporary. Anyone would get a boost out of lethargy/apathy from taking 20mg of Ritalin. NowI'm to the point where I'm on 80mg Rit. a day, and it's not enough to pull me out of extreme states of listlessness. Moreover, when I have experimentally tapered down the Prozac over time (its half-life is sooo long), I have felt the tell-tale symptoms of depression return, and quickly resumed my normal dose--and then some.
Arghh. Good luck. I wish I could just quit Prozac and feel this "rebalance" of neuros phenomenon!!
Posted by peridown on January 11, 2006, at 17:01:13
In reply to Re: Feel great when you QUIT an SSRI?, posted by linkadge on January 8, 2006, at 8:15:45
> Yes I have experienced the same thing many times. The effect has been noted with TCA's too.
I have just gone off of Lexapro also, in preparation of taking an MAOI, and today, for the first time in ages, am feeling less depressed! I just found this site's boards (I had found Dr. Bob's archives, which were very helpful) and have been looking at MAOI info -- when I suddenly realized I was feeling better, looked for lexapro and withdrawal & found this!
>
> One theory is that taking an SSRI for too long supresses dopaminergic neurotransmission, and that there is kind of a rebound when the drug is discontinued.This sounds especially applicable to me, as it seems it is the dopamine elevating (I don't know the correct lingo) which seems to help me the most, ergo the MAOI suggestion -- a kindof last resort at this point... but now I'm wondering if I should start the new medication.
On the other hand...
It sounds like the feelings don't last long, from what people are saying. Darn.
>
> Antidepressants can oftentimes create chemical imballences, without you being aware.I'll keep that in mind.
>
> LinkadgeThanx all.
Posted by linkadge on January 11, 2006, at 18:57:27
In reply to Re: Feel great when you QUIT an SSRI? » linkadge, posted by peridown on January 11, 2006, at 17:01:13
How has your sleep been affected by dropping the lexapro ?
Linkadge
This is the end of the thread.
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