Question 1

how long after discontinuing an ssri does it take for your brain to go back to it's normal "pre-ssri" state?

Accepted Answer

Varies: at least two weeks

Question 2

on ssri but can't pull out of a "nothing matters" mood.  is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Common: Very common response to an ssri. Some patients even enjoy that feeling. But it is bothersome for others. If you are not happy with the effect, ask your psychiatrist to switch you to another ssri or antidepressant. Best of luck.

Question 3

is it normal to experience mini-strokes (ati) while taking ssri's or antypsychotics?

Accepted Answer

No: A mini stroke also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is never normal.

Question 4

if i have an anxiety flair up when taking my ssri inconsistently, will getting back to a consistent schedule help reduce the anxiety?

Accepted Answer

: Yes, If you don’t take your antidepressant medication consistently from the beginning, you won’t get a good result. The prolonged effect needs between 8 and 12 months of CONTINUOUS USE !

Question 5

how long do you normally tell your patients to taper off ssris? do larger doses need to be tapered longer?

Accepted Answer

Depends...: Kind of depends on the one you're taking.  Zoloft, prozac, Paxil (paroxetine) seem to cause people a bit more distress when stopping too quickly.  I might have them taper down 50% per week for 2-3 weeks if i feel they are doing well with depression or anxiety at the time.  We sometimes go faster if transitioning to a different medicine.  We always stay in close contact with patients tapering in case of trouble.

Question 6

i currently take an ssri for anxiety and stress.  is this normal?  what percent of people take ssri's for stress/anxiety?  thank you

Accepted Answer

Yes its normal: SSRIs are commonly prescribed for anxiety.
Treatment for anxiety can also include psychotherapy, and relaxation or meditation techniques.
Your question isn't clear to me.  Are you asking what percentage of Americans take an SSRI for anxiety?  Or what percentage of people who take SSRIs use it for anxiety?

Question 7

when someone stops taking/discontinues taking their ssri , what's the maximum time it takes for the brain to return to its normal "pre-ssri" state?

Accepted Answer

Maybe 2 weeks: most SSRI will be cleared out of ones blood stream in 2 weeks. But your serotonin receptor might need to recalibrate to the original state. But I believe your mood and affect should return in 2 weeks based on my patient experience.

Question 8

severely depressed and low-functioning... is there any hope to get my energy, appetite, and self back? already on ssris, how do i never give up

Accepted Answer

Is it depression?: Are you &amp; your doctor sure that your problem is nothing but depression? There are 3 possible reasons for this: 1. Really bad depression; 2. Antidepressants often don't work as well as advertised; 3. You have an undiagnosed organic condition that is causing or exacerbating your depression. If you haven't already ruled out #3, see an internist.

Question 9

i've been on ssris for about 5 years and lost the ability to orgasm. i'm now on geodon as well. if i stop will these meds will this ability come back?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the: current health, length of time on medication, age, etc. Sexual stimulation could likely come back after discontinuation of medication but remember that it may take a few months to fully regain sexual stimulation.

Question 10

i'm a 30-year-old and i've been using a lot of antidepressants for about 10 years because of the abnormal noctural emmision, and every time i stop taking ssri, the problem back every night. no stop every night or 2 in one night. help me please?

Accepted Answer

: You should consult the MD who is treating you or get another opinion as without a good history and physical no treatment can be prescribed to help you. good luck

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Doctor answers about:

Ssri back to normal

A member asked:

How long after discontinuing an ssri does it take for your brain to go back to it's normal "pre-ssri" state?

A member asked:

On ssri but can't pull out of a "nothing matters" mood. is this normal?

A member asked:

Is it normal to experience mini-strokes (ati) while taking ssri's or antypsychotics?

A member asked:

If i have an anxiety flair up when taking my ssri inconsistently, will getting back to a consistent schedule help reduce the anxiety?

A member asked:

How long do you normally tell your patients to taper off ssris? do larger doses need to be tapered longer?

A member asked:

I currently take an ssri for anxiety and stress. is this normal? what percent of people take ssri's for stress/anxiety? thank you

A member asked:

When someone stops taking/discontinues taking their ssri , what's the maximum time it takes for the brain to return to its normal "pre-ssri" state?

A member asked:

Severely depressed and low-functioning... is there any hope to get my energy, appetite, and self back? already on ssris, how do i never give up

A member asked:

I've been on ssris for about 5 years and lost the ability to orgasm. i'm now on geodon as well. if i stop will these meds will this ability come back?

A member asked:

I'm a 30-year-old and i've been using a lot of antidepressants for about 10 years because of the abnormal noctural emmision, and every time i stop taking ssri, the problem back every night. no stop every night or 2 in one night. help me please?

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