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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Chris O on June 16, 2004, at 14:29:41
I suffer from chronic unrelenting anxiety and depression. I have tried so many OTC supplements and alternative treatments, but none of them seem to provide significant relief. I am beginning to think that my only salvation is long-term use of SSRI medication. I have a few questions for people on these boards, sort of a survey to help me make my decision:
1) What are the long-term, if any, medical side-effects of SSRIs? (The longest I have taken them is for one year.) I went to a naturopathic doctor who told me liver damage was a real risk long-term. Any feedback on that? What about risks to other organs, such as the kidneys and heart? And what about the cognitive effects, such as forgetfulness, lack of creativity (I've read a couple of Laurn Slater's books--Prozac Diary--and she reflects on some of this as she has been on the meds since, I believe, 1988.)
2) What is the longest anyone on these boards has taken SSRI meds? Has anyone been on them for over ten years? What is your experience? Do they still help after many years?
Thanks in advance,
Chris
Posted by linkadge on June 16, 2004, at 15:41:29
In reply to Long-term side-effects of SSRIs?, posted by Chris O on June 16, 2004, at 14:29:41
get regular EEG, and liver/kidney tests to periodically see how these organs are doing.
Linkadge
Posted by Tony C. on June 16, 2004, at 20:48:26
In reply to Long-term side-effects of SSRIs?, posted by Chris O on June 16, 2004, at 14:29:41
Hi, I have been on SERZONE for 7 years, and was told by more doctors than not that I would need it for life. SERZONE is known to kill your liver, and you in RARE cases. It is a good med, but I am totally fet up with the whole deal, and am in day 16 of filing an increment off, and feel pretty good so far, I hope to be MED free in next year to year and 1/2 for me I got to try it just once, to see if I can live without this med, so far so good !!! (CAUTION) - PLEASE never ever play with your med - LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR !!! I am up against a wall, that is why I am, but I do NOT reccommend what I am doing, unless done under a doctors supervision !!! Some people may need medicine for life, maybe I do and am one of them, if so I am glad these meds are available. I will let all know if I hit a point of feeling lousy again, but I am hoping for the best, as bad and as vegatative as my depression was, there was a near death tradgedy, I lost my home, I was financially ruined etc. alot of circumstances preceeded my depression, and I am hoping that things are better, I can live without med eventually, but CERTAINLY will not complain if I have to take something else or this NEFAZODONE for as long as it is available, these meds can be a life saver. Just stay in touch with your Doc and ask for LFT tests etc. if you worry about your organs etc.
Best Wishes - Tony C.
Posted by Maxime on June 18, 2004, at 19:56:02
In reply to Re: Long-term side-effects of SSRIs?, posted by Tony C. on June 16, 2004, at 20:48:26
I've read that SSRI's actually build brain cells. That's kind interesting. I'll see if I can find the info I read.
Maxime
Posted by Maxime on June 18, 2004, at 19:59:45
In reply to Re: Long-term side-effects of SSRIs?, posted by Maxime on June 18, 2004, at 19:56:02
http://mentalhealth.about.com/cs/psychopharmacology/a/neurogenesis.htm
Here is the link.
Maxime
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