SSRIs

Symptoms Neurological
#1

I’ve been battling it out with anxiety, panic, and depression for about 7 months now and I’ve tried just about every herb out there but nothing seems to take the edge off. I only really suffer from mental side effects and no noticeable physical sides. I’m seeing my doctor again this week and demanding that I get all the blood work that has been outlined in this site. At first my doc picked only a few things to check out of the list and passed over others. Then after the results came back he only said that I had a bit of low Free T but it was still in range and not that far out. He left me with that and said we would do another test in 3 months. He told me that in the meantime I should take an SSRI to get over the anxiety. I am determined to get those blood tests done even if I have to go to another 50 doctors. My problem is that even if I get them done and back by next week, and then referred to an endo, I’m going to be depressed and anxious for at least another month before my appointment with a specialist. Some days I just can’t take the crushing depression and I want to take something to make me feel normal again. I have read up on SSRIs and understand the risks and their sides but am often in so much pain that I am willing to try them for a short amount of time (6 months) to see if they will help while I’m waiting for all these tests and referrals.

Has anyone else been suffering from anxiety or depression for over 7 months? Has anyone been on an SSRI to deal with it? I think I’ve read that one person has and it did help with his anxiety but not with any of the other problems like brainfog or concentration. If anyone has, how did they work? Did they help take the anxiety away?

#2

Before you consider using SSRIs (which I wouldn’t, never in a million years), I’d read this study about Omega3s and depression:

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=509

…and consider supplementing your diet with Fish oils, as outlined in the document above. They have been used to alleviate depression safely and naturally.

Other options to consider are running and weight lifting, and making dietary changes (ie if you eat junk food all day, try switching to eating healthy and organic – guaranteed you will see a difference), ie 4-5 small meals every 3-4 hrs (keep blood sugar stable) vs. 3 big meals 6 hrs apart.

I don’t think SSRIs will solve your issues, and in fact only make things worse, and then you won’t know if your issues are from the use of Finasteride or the SSRI… not good if you are trying to seek treatment.

If I were you I wouldn’t introduce any extra variables (SSRIs) that may make treating post-Fin side effects/bloodwork even more difficult and complicated.

#3

Markus avoid SSRI’s like the plague, for one thing they cause sexual side effects along with many other effects. Go to the link below and order yourself the best pharmaceutical grade omega 3 fatty acids, scientifically proven to relieve depression, anxiety, and a whole list of cerebral disorders. I’ve been taking this for several years and it makes a huge difference in the way I feel. These types of acids derived from fish increase and build both seretonin as well as dopamine. A good portion of your brain is fat and most of this fat is in the form of DHA which is what’s in fish oil. Dr. Barry Sears, author of the zone sells the most purified, effective fish oil on the market, he’s also written several books including Omega RX, a book dedicated to the health benefits of pharma grade fish oil. I know I sound like I work for the man although I can tell you I practically own this person my life because of his Zone eating method and fish oil. You would need around 7-10 grams per day so I would opt for the liquid as opposed to the caps.

zoneliving.com/ZoneProducts/ … ductNumber

#4

Anxiety and depression are side effect often seen in men who suffer from hypogonadism (low testosterone).

Post Finasteride use many men have lowered testosterone levels, they also often have anxiety and or depression. This is not a coincidence in my opinion.

SSRI’s treat these symptoms, but they also low testosterone levels as well.

Obviously if a lack of testosterone is the cause for the symptoms it is preferable to treat the cause of problems rather than the symptoms.

The logic therefore should be to see an endocrinologist and evaluate your hormones before going onto SSRI’s, if already on them, go and have the evaluation.

If in the US I can help you find endocrinologists in your area.

#5

I’d just like to add that the longer you’re off Finasteride, the less depression, anxiety and panic you should have, although it may take some time – unless your issues are a direct result of low T or other hormonal imbalance, such as high Estrogens.

Fin inhibits Allopregnanolone, a neuroprotective neurosteroid associated with anxiety/seizures (when found in low levels in the brain) and also interferes with GABA-A receptor function (one of the most common inhibitory neurotransmitters in the body)…

So, it may take awhile (ie, months at a minimum, possibly longer – ie, 1-2 yrs… just my opinion) for these things to “come back online” and start working correctly again after discontinuing the drug. Patience and time will be your ally in that regard.

#6

Hey everyone.

About SSRIs, I recommend you consider this interview before you decide to take anti-depressants. It would seem as though our pharmaceutical companies aren’t out for our best interest considering these harmful results.

#7

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#8

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#9

I’d have to disagree, I think it’s quite the opposite. I think it has everything to do with androgens and almost nothing to do with neurosteroids.

Consider the fact that human 5AR type I (the type in the brain that converts Progesterone to allopregnanolone) has a 4 amino acid sequence that renders it more-or-less immune to finasteride. This is corroborated by the fact that DHT levels of those taking finasteride drop by 2/3, just about exact reflecting the proportion to the ratio of 5AR type II to 5AR type I. This evidence tells us that 5AR type I is operating at nearly full-capacity despite the action of finasteride

In rodents, on the other hand, finasteride inhibits both 5AR type I and II, which is one big flaw in using such rodent models. They are perhaps better models of the action of dutasteride.

Consider these:

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewt … highlight=

rabbit.if-pan.krakow.pl/pjp/pdf/2004/5_509.pdf

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewt … highlight=

Of course, the cause may be different for different people.

#10

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#11

Have you checked you prolactin? Dostinex helped with my fin-induced anxiety/panic