Posted by doug12 on April 14, 2002, at 1:03:28
In reply to Re: Effexor and memory ... any advice? » doug12, posted by sid on April 13, 2002, at 21:30:48
Thanks for the response sid. I'm glad to hear that it might be possible to function well on Effexor. I have started the Effexor again and I have begun to notice the cognitive effects. I feel that my mind is a solid block, where there used to be a transparent fluid of many thoughts - conscious and semiconscious; it's frightening. It's as though a part of myself has died. When I read a book and come to the end of a long sentence, I have somehow lost the beginning of the sentence. It's as though my RAM has shrunk.
Of course, I'm worried that my research might suffer because of this. However, this side-effect must be very closely related to the positive 'effect' of the drug. My original complaint and the source of my anxiety was an overabundance of thoughts that was beyond my control. Maybe it's impossible to have it both ways: sharp cognitive function can hurt as well as help.
Right now I am able to function at a normal level (just not at an exceptional level). If, as you say, the cognitive effects decrease with time, then I will definitely stick with Effexor for a while and see what happens. After all, I am enjoying the break from obsessional thoughts and anxiety.
Does anyone know if it is common for academic performance to suffer on antidepressants? Long term, I'm not sure if I'm ready to make that trade.
poster:doug12
thread:102963
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020408/msgs/103012.html