Press J to jump to the feed. In the course of depression treatment, antidepressants affect personality. Jasmin Collier. It has saved my life. Joined Jul 17, 2014 Messages 134. Cheers. I don't snap as easily and my personality feels "lighter." antidepressants, as well as psychotherapy, such as CBT may help obsessive thoughts primarily by allowing the brain to “let go “ of anxiety. Reddit. It doesn’t create positive ones. Closed to new replies Posted: January 29, 2008. So in short, yes; it will change your personality. Ive never felt like that in my life until i took zoloft. If the drug doesn't seem to be working after the set period it's supposed to, talk to your doctor about it. That's a relief. 3 months in, I'm still depressed, but it's more manageable. The big surprise was that, though the antidepressants did make the participants feel less depressed, the reduction in neuroticism was much more powerful – … In the beginning, I was a very irate person and I snap at little things easily (due to depression and anxiety). Shared experiences and … I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click! But I suppose some people are attracted to fixing people? Thank you for such a detailed and thoughtful response! Fear: Antidepressants change your personality or turn you into a zombie. Antidepressants Can Change Personalities. Spreading information and countering misinformation about antidepressants. For further safety information and advice please click the warning image to the left. Forums > Community > Help with Life. If you are taking antidepressants – please don’t rush to change your dose or even stop them – without working closely with a doctor you trust and who understands you. Antidepressants Can Change Your Personality “Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man.” This ancient quote sums up the long-held view that our personality is fixed from childhood and nothing much changes after that. Two common types of antidepressant medications, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclics, were found to … Antidepressants can change two aspects of personality that are linked to depression, research finds. However, I also read online and my other psychiatrist says that it does change your personality. Thread starter MidnightMusician; Start date May 3, 2020; M. MidnightMusician Well-known member. I've often heard the opposite from people who are actually on antidepressants. She started taking antidepressant medication, and the effect it had on her was completely unexpected. I've gotten similar feedback from my family "you seem happy and relaxed". Sorry to hear things have been so turbulent for you. I didn't even feel hungry. Thanks again for your thoughts. If someone takes an AD and is happier and more outgoing/less socially anxious, you could make the case for either, although at some level it's irrelevant. That cleared after a week or two. Does this happen when you stop taking the antidepressants? No biggie. What you need to know is that it all depends what's right for you, it doesn't cure depression, but it definitely helps. Expert Q & A: Your mental health questions answered The notion that antidepressant drugs -- and SSRIs in particular -- can cause personality changes is … I didn't realize that was a side effect. If it's temporary, how long does it take to return to your old self? Are There Other Ways to Improve Mental Health? Before we get into the concerns and answering some of the questions surrounding antidepressant and psychedelic use, it is recommended to perform a thorough and thoughtful reflection on whether it’s truly a good time to try psychedelics and/or discontinue your antidepressant. Weaning off antidepressants, including Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil, and others, can come with some side effects. Honestly hearing from people in this sub has made me question whether or not my depression is serious enough to risk all the side effects that can potentially come from antidepressants. These are obviously more negative than the ideal scenario. WhatsApp. ty! If you are taking antidepressants – please don’t rush to change your dose or even stop them – without working closely with a doctor you trust and who understands you. No weight gain and actually lost weight, no libido decrease, and improved mood. I got lucky with this one working for me so fast. This gives me hope. I did the same thing as you, I studied the side effects and symptoms of antidepressants, I was scared that it would make me shut down (as well as my fiancé) and become addicted and so forth. However, I had somewhat of a different personality back then. Antidepressants Don’t Just Change Your Sex Drive, They Can Affect Your Feelings Of Love Toward Your Mate. So for me, it's a win. Antidepressants are some of the most commonly prescribed medications out there. Anti-depressants, and therapy, along with staying self-aware and keeping track of changes/etc. Not just the pill alone. It's a fine line between yes and no, and what you consider to be an actual "change" versus a reversion or improvement on what was already inside you. Antidepressants can cause radical changes in your emotional state, personality, or decisionmaking. My biggest issue, instead, was pride. Words defined are indicated by an asterisk (*) after the word. If there's any concerns you have about the choice of drug your doctor should be able to address them. I thought it was a form of dementia, but just found out he's now taking Cymbalta. New research suggests that antidepressants actually change your brain’s activity within just a few hours of taking them. They have all had vastly different effects on me. Statistics. Just wanted to say I've been on Zoloft/streamline for over 2 months now and I have had the exact same side effects as Mr.Jake here. For further safety information and advice please click the warning image to the left. At that point, it would be a band-aid solution for a bigger issue. It just reverts you back to your "stable" personality. I was too young to notice the effects on libido. In some cases, a simple dose reduction may help clear some of the numbness. University of North Carolina Health Care. Press J to jump to the feed. Have Antidepressants Changed Your Personality? And please, don't be ashamed and scared like I was. Truly over-the-top. I like to think that any self-respecting medical professional understands that the commitment to taking an anti-depressant is something of a social, mental, and economic hurdle and isn't a decision that should be made lightly. It really depends on the person. (That's how it feels. Just after Christmas, it got real bad for me. Good Luck, and if you'd like any more info drop me a PM :). Either way, I would say yes, ADs can change your personality, for better and worse depending on the person and the actual change. antidepressants, as well as psychotherapy, such as CBT may help obsessive thoughts primarily by allowing the brain to “let go “ of anxiety. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. | Delete, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the antidepressants community. What its most likely doing, is allowing your true self to not be hidden by the sadness and anger of your depression. I’m sleepy most of the time, my attention is reduced and I can’t achieve orgasm. PETER DOCKRILL. 12 Shares. Hopefully you'll find something that'll help soon. There are already many answers to this question and the topic can be (irony not intended) polarizing. Also, my depression got worse on the last couple of days. I'm really considering asking my doctor for some next time I see her but I'm afraid it will just give me bad symptoms like low libido or weight gain that will just make things worse. I still get "depressed" but no where near as bad as when I'm not on the medication. The first month I was taking the meds I became extremely lethargic, I was so out of it all I could do is lay in my bed all day, this happened to me on the weekends because when I was working and in motion these "side effects" wouldn't affect me as much. The minute I got back from my holiday, I went to the GP. It hasn't solved all of my problems but it helped keep me out of the ditch. Moral behaviour is usually considered the province of philosophers and ethicists, but a new study suggests the way we treat others is actually tied to our brain chemistry. In the course of depression treatment, antidepressants affect personality. Mental illness is so abstract because the symptoms are in your brain. Antidepressants Can Change Personalities. There has been long debate about the effect such drugs can have on the architecture of the brain. But if you're struggling with depression, don't rule out medication. I lost weight as I completely lost my appetite, the meds made me feel quite violently sick and the thought of eating was vomit-inducing. My one piece of advice would be to stay active in the choice of drug. Everyone's different. Antidepressants rapidly alter brain architecture, study finds A single dose of SSRI antidepressants such as Fluoxetine, shown here, can change … Fact: When taken correctly, antidepressants will not change your personality. That said, a relative of mine has seen really great results with Prozac and their quality of life has shot through the roof: no weight gain, no nothing. These are obviously more negative than the ideal scenario. Do Antidepressants Permanently Rewire the Human Brain? At best it quells certain negative anxieties & their effects. Source: The Serotonin Surprise, by Gary Greenberg. I've been on a mood modifier (as my doctor kindly calls it) just before New Year's. Email MS is a complex medical condition where it is easy to understand the physical disability and inhibition of activities. No bad effect on libido (which is also up since depression lifted) But also remember that (barring hospitalization or some such) you are not obliged to keep taking meds if the side effects are worse than anticipated. Incidentally, for individuals with bipolar disorder, antidepressants may sometimes do more harm than good, and a “mood stabilizer” such as lithium is the preferred treatment. I hope it works for you and you start feeling better soon. If the change is beneficial and helps your life, then good. I was having severe debilitating episodes of depression and was missing a lot of school. According to new research, if you notice your antidepressant affecting you from the very first dose, it probably isn’t “all in your head” or necessarily an indication of hypomania. And I know it's different from person to person but I'd just like to hear what you guys say. Email. Dec. 7, 2009 -- Besides treating depression, the antidepressant Paxil may affect personality traits in positive ways, a new study suggests.. Personality of your SO after they took antidepressants Odd question but was wondering for those with SO's who took antidepressants after your relationship had begun, how did the antidepressants change your SO's behavior/personality (if any change occurred). He's become loud, embarrassing, irrational and verbally aggressive. Telegram. However, how much is a side effect and how much is conscious responsibility is not always clear cut. Reddit. Antidepressants Affect People’s Moral Behaviour, Study Finds . Your personality is your character...who you are deep down. Link. It is most commonly known as Zoloft and is present in 16 other generic forms in Australia. Ask questions about whatever your doctor recommends - what kind of reaction you can expect, what area it's supposed to target, etcetc. If therapy or medication doesn't work then what do you rely on for treating depression? What antidepressants can do to a brain that is not depressed ... For the first time, research has shown that a widely used antidepressant may cause subtle changes in brain structure and function when taken by those who are not depressed. Personality changes; Gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, and dyspepsia (for which antacids may be prescribed) Birth defects; Liver injury (very rare) As with any medication, adequate risks/benefits must be taken into consideration. I read some post where people talked about not wanting to be around a medicated person anymore because their personality changed :(. Do antidepressants really change your life? I don’t know, but I think that you should go to a psychiatrist and see for yourself. I forget the name of the meds I take but all I know is that I have to take it at night, because if I took it in the daytime it would make me drowsy af. I wouldn't say that I terribly wanted to live: just that I stopped wanting to die. Antidepressants change how neurotransmitters function, making more available so that when a message comes along, it can be properly delivered. New research suggests that antidepressants actually change your brain’s activity within just a few hours of taking them. RaineSlave Featured By Owner Jan 29, 2008. ReddIt. I'm really considering asking my doctor for some next time I see her but I'm afraid it will just give me bad symptoms like low libido or weight gain that will just make things worse. We’ll talk about when to talk with your … August 2, 2010. Prozac literally saved my life. Instead, they alleviate the symptoms abnormal brain-chemistry causes. I don't feel it because the change is slow for me, but other people pointed out that I'm different. I’ve seen amazing things with all of the medication I’ve prescribed. It's still there, but I'm glad it's working. I still have my down days, heck - I had three in a row and I broke down crying on the third... but I picked myself up, and I feel much more positive. I am my own guinea pig and have observed myself intently over the past 15 years or so. Aug 11, 2014 05:21 PM By Dana Dovey. Brain shakes are a mysterious side effect of abruptly stopping certain medications, especially antidepressants. 04.03.2018 ; By Meghan Nesmith; The discourse around mental health has picked up speed, but it remains an underserved topic. I've been taking this for over a year and I have definitely seen improvement, I can socialize better (most of the time) I can interact much more with the people I love, and go through the weekends without becoming stagnant and lifeless, (I don't have any friends where I live). I feel like a person I haven't in almost 2 years. "In the past, we tended to dismiss the personality changes … In general, I've often heard "it'll change your state of mind/alter your personality!" The notion that antidepressant drugs—and SSRIs in particular—can cause personality changes is not new. My advice for meds: Don't listen to anyone else. Not all drugs are made equal and while changing prescriptions can be difficult, it's common to change drugs to find a better fit. I've found that with virtually any medication I tend to feel much more level, but definitely 'drugged. Thanks for your reply! I have been prescribed fluoxetine a month ago and have yet to take them. I doubt its changing the core of you. I also notice I seem to have an insatiable appetite so also working on that. Shares. Share; Comments; Print; Advertisement. Glad to hear that it works for you! Not possible. Antidepressants Can Change Your Personality “Give me a child until he is 7 and I will show you the man.” This ancient quote sums up the long-held view that our personality is fixed from childhood and nothing much changes after that. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock. I'm currently on Zoloft and been on it for about 5 months. Often one has to experiment with several to arrive at even that point, if they even work to that extent (they do not for everyone). Dec. 7, 2009 -- Besides treating depression, the antidepressant Paxil may affect personality traits in positive ways, a new study suggests.. "People's personalities actually do change and quite substantially when they go through these antidepressant treatments," Tang said. I asked for help, he went through another checklist with me and offered to put me on medication. A few months back I was going through a real rut in life, I went to see the doctor, they referred me to a therapist, she referred me to CBT - I refused Meds on the basis of what I read on the internet. Whether that is a good thing for you or not is up to you to decide, but the simple fact is that they do influence personality in some way. Just be aware the side effects of Anti-Depressants can make you feel worse, and make you want to stop them - you have to persevere. I was wondering what your experience with Zoloft is like. Logic dictates that anti-depressants will make you less depressed, ergo making you a happier person. Peer support for anyone struggling with a depressive disorder. Antidepressants Changed My Life in Ways I Never Expected. Tumblr. It was scary going to the doctor and asking for something to help the first time but I'm so happy I did. I hope you can find a routine that works for you. Experiencing emotional blunting while on antidepressants doesn't mean that you can't reap the benefits of treatment. But I think I'm open to giving it a try to see if it could help, because I've covered my bases with good nutrition, regular exercise, and more than adequate sleep. ‘I think you have to accept that there’s a structural change in your brain when you take drugs like Prozac’ If someone takes an AD and is happier and more outgoing/less socially anxious, you could make the case for either, although at some level it's irrelevant. That's really odd when people prefer someone who is not doing well...I don't understand the mentality very well. Do Antidepressants Change Your Personality? It is most commonly known as Zoloft and is present in 16 other generic forms in Australia. Do SSRIs permentatly change your personality and brain chemistry? I use to keep to myself, but now I'm more willing to open up and talk to people. In contrast, drugs called tricyclic antidepressants, which affect the serotonin system less, seem to affect women's feelings of love more than men's, the researchers said. Email. I say this, as medical concerns do sometimes arise. Honestly, I feel my best when on the medication. Maybe I should change the medication, maybe I should change the dose. I spent so many years afraid of telling anyone about my depression/mood swings. Do anti-depressants change your personality? I feel like I've been given some chunks of my life back. Source: The Serotonin Surprise, by Gary Greenberg. Details. Mild weight gain due to appetite increase. Anti-depressants aren't a cure, studies suggest they work with therapy best. By Live Science Staff 07 December 2009. I was genuinely ready for it to all end, I was crying every single night (and I don't know why?) Copy Link. 2 years ago. Do Antidepressants Permanently Rewire the Human Brain? After you level out, you should find that suicidal ideation is reduced or gone, some things make you smile, and there are glimmers of hope. Waiting on my appt next week to try a new route. Fact: When taken correctly, antidepressants will not change your personality. We all need a helping hand sometimes. I've tried medication and therapy and neither worked for me. I was wondering (aside from mood) has anyone here experienced any positive changes to their personality after taking … Do Antidepressants Work? Bee’s Note: Please see "Definitions" at the end of this article. There's still days where I can still feel the sadness, the urge to end my life, but I'm still here. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 3 JULY 2015 . Written by David Railton on March 7, 2018 — Fact checked by. Hopefully you find something that can help you! So, to summarize, yes… antidepressants do technically “change” your personality. Not for reasons you may think, I had no fear of modern medicine nor did I believe antidepressants were more harmful than good, as was often written in on-line blogs and medical advice websites. You have a great community here waiting to offer advice and support. It's hard to tell the difference between how I was before and now by myself, but I've been told by my family that I act "better." Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Fear: Antidepressants change your personality or turn you into a zombie. Essentially, lifestyle changes would need to be involved as far as healthy coping mechanisms, etc. MYTH: “Antidepressants are happy pills that change your personality.” FACT: Antidepressants do not compel people to be unnaturally happy. Anti-depressants with therapy can make a considerable difference to you. Replies: 44 . Personality changes; Gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, and dyspepsia (for which antacids may be prescribed) Birth defects; Liver injury (very rare) As with any medication, adequate risks/benefits must be taken into consideration. Do you feel a shift in personality? Thanks for your reply! Antidepressants: Do they really work? They can suggest antidepressants and you absolutely don't have to take them, but I hope your choice at this point is an informed one. Thanks! Antidepressants can cause radical changes in your emotional state, personality, or decisionmaking. A week and a half ago I could feel it kicking. I know there is a strong antidepressants lobby such as those on paxilprogress.org. Recently, he's become a raging bully; I can't say it's a personality change but it's certainly a frightening intensification of his former personality, minus his good qualities. Are you still taking Prozac? It might help you to make a list of symptoms you have and a list of concerns to take in with you if you're like me and terrified of speaking with doctors. And sometimes, as you feel a little better, more secure, people don't want to put in the work because the relationship changes. I asked doctor whether or not it changes your personality and he says it doesn't. Pinterest. ‘I think you have to accept that there’s a structural change in your brain when you take drugs like Prozac’ Psychotherapists love to argue. Antidepressants are some of the most commonly prescribed medications out there. The idea that antidepressants totally change your personality is ... O'Hare says of this hesitance some people have to taking antidepressants. The worst was when I was a teen, as some medications can increase your suicidal thoughts, which was definitely what happened to me at 16 (with my third med). At the same time, people’s extroversion was increased, making them feel more outgoing and sociable. 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