Antidepressants

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Has anyone ever taken antidepressants and felt more intelligent after taking them for a while?

The closest I can think of would be anti-depressants actually working, giving one a clear mind and being able to think of something other than how much they hate life. But I've never taken an anti-depressant that worked, just ones that do nothing or knock me out cold..

In my experience they tend to dull everything down apart from the serotonin reaction/side effects.

I have only had success with anti-depressants when they were administered in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle.

They do, however, take something away from me. They can alleviate some of your anxiety but you are likely to feel rather numb, too.

They certainly do not make you smarter. Perhaps more explorative and productive, but not more intelligent. I usually end up being mono-syllabic after taking anti-depressants for a significant amount of time. The discontinuation of medication presents some problems, too. To go "cold turkey" (I did on Christmas) can lead to all sorts of psychological problems. Last year, for example, I abruptly stopped taking Citalopram and consequently I suffered from transient psychosis. I have only done it this time because I read the risks are not as dangerous with Mirtazapine, but I am still experiencing some adverse effects, such as sleeping difficulties and migraines. They could of course worsen in the coming weeks.

I have taken quite a variety of anti deps now. I have had bad reactions such as loss of sex drive, feeling more depressed, lethargy, lack of creativity, extremely dry mouth, to name a few. The one i am taking at the moment seems ok so far, its called Trazadone. While i don't believe it makes one more intelligent, reduced mental activity in some negative areas may be contributing to a greater clarity of thought. Also this pill, shares like some do, an effect on part of the brain alcohol effects. Test have shown alcohol to increase brain function for albeit a very short time, before decreasing mental abilities. I think though that it is reduced thinking in some negative patterns, which for now is helping me think clearer. Early days though.

I take Trazodone for a minor depression that was made worse by not sleeping well. I think a little better on Trazodone cuz I'm sleeping better on it.

How long were you taking it before it helped with sleep? Have you felt any increase in body temperature or heart rate at any time?

A day or so. NO

When I was taking ritalin I felt really active and could study for hours with no rest thus helping me get good grades. I'm currently taking zoloft and I don't really feel that it works.

Why did you stop taking ritalin if you don't mind me asking?

I have always wanted to try ritalin but it's extremely difficult to acquire in England. My doctor always looks at me in sheer horror whenever I enquire about a ritalin prescription.

Whats the attraction of it for you?

Although I haven't been formally diagnosed with a learning disability (HFA is my only diagnosis, which is a learning difficulty/difference), I do believe I may have dyslexia or ADD, too. Thus, I am always looking for treatments which can improve concentration and memory.

I have experimented with a whole plethora of supplements, which have included well-documented "brain foods" such as fish oils, 5-HTP & nootropics. But I would be lying if I said any of those had any great impact on my brain's functioning. However, working out and eating right for a period of 6 months last year did seem to improve my mood and I found I was thinking more clearly, too. But that regime became obsessive - bordering on complete egomania - and predictably I couldn't sustain the health + fitness lifestyle, and the derailment caused all kinds of emotional mayhem for me. I was behaving much like Patrick Bateman does in American Psycho. My entire existence centered around my physical appearance, which upon reflection, was an extremely shallow pursuit of mine. And now I am rambling inanely....

Ramblings fine, have you tried Modafinal? I'm not recommending it, just wondering.

I don't believe so. I have tried Adrafinil, though, which merely gave me migraines.

SSRIs and SSNRIs can cause physical dependence. The withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. They can cause apathy along with the decrease in anxiety. They also can cause major weight gain.