Posted by Jakeman on November 27, 2005, at 13:33:33
In reply to SSRI induced apathy syndrome, posted by Jedi on November 27, 2005, at 5:53:29
>
> Hi Jake,
> I believe the long term use of SSRIs and SNRIs caused an apathy syndrome in me. It is hard to separate this from my primary depression because I am atypical with a certain level of apathy and anhedonia when I am depressed. Anhedonia(the inability to experience pleasure) can cause serious problems with your sex life. There has been research showing the atypical antipsychotics providing some relief to this syndrome, as an augmentation to SSRIs.
> Take care,
> Jedi
>
> J Psychiatr Pract. 2004 May;10(3):196-9.
> SSRI-induced apathy syndrome: a clinical review.
> Barnhart WJ, Makela EH, Latocha MJ.
> Department of Behavioral Health and Psychiatry, North Colorado Medical Center, Greeley 80631, USA.
>
> The authors review the literature pertaining to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-induced apathy syndrome. A literature search of Medline and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts from 1970 to the present was performed for relevant articles. Twelve relevant case reports and one open-label treatment trial were identified. An amotivational, or apathy, syndrome has been reported in a number of patients receiving SSRI treatment over the last decade. This adverse effect has been noted to be dose-dependent and reversible, but is often unrecognized. This phenomenon has caused significant negative consequences for adults as well as social and academic difficulties in adolescents.
>
> [Efficacy of atypical antipsychotics in depressive syndromes.]
> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15738862&query_hl=3
>
> Olanzapine in the treatment of apathy in previously depressed participants maintained with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: an open-label, flexible-dose study.
> http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12019662&query_hl=3
>Jedi,
Thanks for those articles, great information. I asked my last psyciatrist to prescribe a small doze of olanzapine with an SSRI, even though I am afraid of the side effects. He refused. Right now I trying to find a better doctor. Have you tried this combination?
warm regards ~Jake
poster:Jakeman
thread:582599
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051126/msgs/582701.html