5 replies to this topic

[thismoment]

I asked Stuart Shipko, M.D. of Mad in America a question. 

 

In my preamble I noted that symptoms from SSRI/SNRI discontinuation were similar to those from concussion (brain injury). There is a general guideline within the medical community regarding brain injuries, and it goes something like this: symptoms remaining beyond 2 years after a brain injury are likely permanent.

 

My question was, "Because of this similarity, can this general guideline be applied to those of us discontinuing from SSRI/SNRIs?"

 

Dr. Shipko replied, "I don't think so. I have seen patients where they continue to improve well beyond 2 years."

 

That's good news. 

[scared60]

I was wondering if Cymbalta can "brain damage" a person ... good to know steady improvement might be forthcoming

[air3333]

Interesting. Maybe I need 2 years off the drug (without going crazy) to test it out? =)

[thismoment]

My position on this is totally open-ended: it is counterproductive to assign either a timeline, or quality-of-health expectations on discontinuation. You carry on and work with what you have at the moment. As things improve, smile and keep carrying on. That's all you can do- just keep carrying on.

[Clara]

Good news on continuing improvement after 2 years! THAT is encouraging!!!!  Scared60, I have adopted the term brain alteration instead of brain damage... makes me feel better anyway! Hugs to all!

[scared60]

Yes, brain alteration sounds more like it anyway.  It's damaged, it's just altered ... permanently?  naw, hope not.

 

I'm going to go have my head examined in just moments (chuckle - MRI) we'll see if anything is there!  har har

 

Don't want something there, but would be nice to see if something there related to headaches.

 

But, the fibro ... I have to say the Cymbalta helped, it didn't get me back to work, but I did find myself able to do things in 30 min increments before having to put the body down. 

 

I need to find a good DO or holistic ... but who can afford?