Posted by Sarah T. on October 2, 2005, at 0:57:29 [reposted on October 5, 2005, at 21:44:46 | original URL]
In reply to Re: Deneb, yoo-hoo. . .listen to me. . . » Sarah T., posted by Deneb on October 1, 2005, at 23:32:11
Hi Deneb,
It's important for the doctor to fully understand that you're in school, taking a full load of interesting but difficult science classes, and they are very important to you. The doctor must know that although the current meds are alleviating some of the ruminating thoughts, the meds might also be aggravating your tendency to procrastinate, and when that happens, your anxiety returns in full force. When that happens, you start having those negative thoughts for which those meds were prescribed, and the whole thing becomes a vicious cycle. Tell him exactly what you just told me about studying well last year when you weren't on any meds, but then, later, your anxiety got the better of you. I think it's possible that the doctor could substitute one drug for another. For example, perhaps he can rx something that will deal with your anxiety WITHOUT causing the apathy and amotivational syndromes that are characteristic of many SSRI's, including Celexa. There are other anti-depressants and anti-anxiety agents that can address your symptoms without causing that, "Ah, what the heck, Who Cares?" attitude. A few years ago, I read a journal article about this problem with ssri's. The writer kept referring to the "lack of appropriate anxiety" that often occurs while on them. He wrote about a patient who'd gotten several traffic tickets and was in danger of losing his license, but he had NO worry or anxiety about it. There should have been some concern. This "What, Me Worry?" attitude was totally out of character for the patient before he was placed on an ssri.
It's important for you to have some of those intrusive, negative thoughts alleviated, but if the medications are going to prevent you from doing what you love to do (science, studying, etc.), then, in the long run, not studying will create more anxiety and panic, and you might feel bad about yourself. You need to feel good about yourself, and it seems that you are able to do that when you are actively engaged in your courses. Ask the doctor if he can think of something that will cut back on the intrusive thoughts but that WON'T interfere with your schoolwork or your motivation to do it.
As you know, Celexa is a very selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Unfortunately, when serotonin increases in certain parts of the brain, dopamine is often decreased in the parts of the brain involved in motivation and long-term planning, etc. There's just something about the mechanism of ssri's that causes this problem. But there are other antidepressants that can affect serotonin without causing the simultaneous lowering of dopamine. There are also anti-anxiety agents (anxiolytics) that can calm your nerves without turning you into a wimpy couch potato.
One other thing. . . I know Hammy is very important to you because I have pets, and I love them so much. However, right now, your most important duty is to yourself. You need to get your meds straightened out so you can do the things you want and need to do. I'm not telling you to ignore Hammy. I just think you need to have a list of priorities and try to keep those priorities in mind.
poster:Sarah T.
thread:563480
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/studs/20050910/msgs/563488.html