Flat & Emotionless

[Wayne-O]

Hi

New here and not sure about how it all works. Just need to chat with people that don't know me personally. I'm currently on medication for despression but of late I feel flat and I guess emotionless. When I say emotionless I mean like I have zero care factor to a situation and you kind of fake a reaction. Sometimes I feel like I need quiet but can't get it it. You know when you want quiet but everyone asks what's wrong but don't except that it's just you need quiet. Im wondering if I need to adjust medication ?

[james1]

Hey Wayne,

Welcome to the forums. Definitely the right place if you're looking to chat to people who dont' nkow you personally.

We can't tell you about whether you need to change medication or not because only a doctor can really know, but I can share my own experience.

I'm also on anti-depressants (the SSRI kind) and it definitely zombifies me. I never got it reviewed though because then I just started forgetting, but my doctor said that was a side effect and if it lasted for more than a few weeks, we'd need to review. Have you been on the medication for long and when was the last time you saw your doctor?

James

[Wayne-O]

Hi James

I've been on this medication for a year or 2 and I generally see my doctor probably every 3-4 months. I wonder if mine is affecting memory as well because now that you mentioned it my memory isn't as good as before. I might need to go see him and mention it all to him.

Wayne

[PatT]

Hi Wayne,

I've often felt much the same when on anti-depressants. Kind of vague and emotionless, experiences seem to have less meaning or value and it's quite tiresome. However, I know what I'm like off them and I'd much prefer those side effects to the actual experience of mental illness. I think there are a bunch of things you can do to help yourself abate the side effects though. Personally I've found exercise, maintaining an active social life, reading, meditating and generally self-help activities can reduce that malaise.

You could also speak to your doctor/psych about reducing the dosage of your medication which in turn may reduce your symptoms.