Consulting on SSRI Side Effects and Movement Disorders in Psychiatry

Medication Side Effect Consultation

Dr.
Chang: I have two questions to ask.

1.
After taking SSRIs, I feel a bit indifferent towards things and somewhat lethargic, which started after I began the medication.
Will this condition improve after the treatment ends, or is it likely to persist?
2.
Is there a chance that taking 1/4 of 5mg of Amisulpride could cause tardive dyskinesia? If my doctor has indicated that I can decide whether to take it (while I am on SSRIs), would it be better not to take it? Thank you for your time and response.

K, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/19

Dr. Zhang Gengjia reply Psychiatry

Dear Sir/Madam,
From your letter, it is evident that you are experiencing discomfort and distress due to a combination of indifference towards certain matters and a bit of pressure from laziness.
Whether this is a psychosomatic disorder requires a professional diagnosis by a physician.
1.
Facing an uncertain future, psychosomatic disorders are common in modern society.
This is a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment for recovery.
2.
Psychosomatic disorders are chronic illnesses that have periods of exacerbation, remission, recovery, and relapse.
More than half of the patients may experience a recurrence of symptoms even after they have improved.
Due to individual differences in constitution, it takes time to determine the appropriate medication, and it cannot be simply attributed to which medication is more effective.
Please be patient and cooperate with your physician.
3.
Regarding SSRIs or other medications, each drug may have side effects.
It is advisable to note the duration and frequency of any discomfort you experience and discuss this with your physician.
4.
In addition to medication and psychotherapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive, anesthesia-free, highly safe treatment method that does not require hospitalization.
It can improve anxiety and depressive moods.
For patients with treatment-resistant depression or poor medication response, rTMS treatment has shown significant improvement in depressive symptoms.
Our clinic is open for consultations from Monday to Friday, both in the morning and afternoon.
I recommend that you consider visiting the clinic for a personal evaluation of your symptoms by a physician, so that we can collaboratively discuss the best decision for you.
Wishing you mental and physical well-being.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Chang Geng-Jia
Department of Psychiatry

Reply Date: 2021/12/19

More Info

When it comes to the use of SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and their potential side effects, particularly in relation to cognitive function and movement disorders, it is essential to understand both the pharmacological effects of these medications and the individual variability in response to treatment.

1. Cognitive Effects and Emotional Blunting: It is not uncommon for individuals taking SSRIs to experience a sense of emotional blunting or a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. This phenomenon can be attributed to the way SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can sometimes lead to a dampening of emotional responses. However, this side effect is not universally experienced and can vary significantly from person to person. Many patients report that these feelings improve after they have been on the medication for a while or once they complete their treatment. If you find that these feelings persist even after stopping the medication, it is crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They may suggest alternative treatments or adjustments to your current regimen to help alleviate these symptoms.

2. Movement Disorders and Tardive Dyskinesia: Regarding your concern about the potential for tardive dyskinesia (TD) from taking a low dose of Anli Fu (Amisulpride), it is important to note that TD is more commonly associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications rather than SSRIs. SSRIs are generally considered to have a lower risk for movement disorders. However, any medication can have side effects, and individual responses can vary. If you are concerned about the risk of developing movement disorders, it is advisable to have an open discussion with your psychiatrist. They can provide you with a risk assessment based on your specific situation and medical history.

3. Managing Side Effects: If you are experiencing side effects that are impacting your quality of life, it is essential to communicate this with your healthcare provider. They may recommend strategies to manage these effects, such as adjusting the dosage, switching to a different medication, or incorporating non-pharmacological interventions like therapy or lifestyle changes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be particularly effective in conjunction with medication, helping to address both cognitive and emotional challenges.

4. Long-term Considerations: It is also worth noting that the effects of SSRIs can take several weeks to stabilize, and the initial side effects often diminish over time. Therefore, patience is key when starting a new medication. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments.

In conclusion, while SSRIs can lead to some cognitive and emotional side effects, many individuals find that these effects improve with time or after discontinuation of the medication. If you have concerns about movement disorders or any other side effects, it is crucial to discuss these with your healthcare provider, who can help you navigate your treatment options safely and effectively. Always remember that your mental health is a priority, and finding the right balance in your treatment plan is essential for your overall well-being.

Similar Q&A

Navigating Life with Emotional Disorders: A Personal Journey

Hello, I have been diagnosed with affective psychosis by a psychiatrist since I was 20 years old, and I have been receiving psychiatric treatment ever since. My condition has worsened significantly due to various reasons. From the age of 20 until now, I have gone through many exp...

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry
Hello Mr. Kuo, it sounds like you have many sources of stress in your life, and the impact of interpersonal relationships often affects your mood. In addition to medication, I recommend discussing the possibility of arranging psychological therapy with your physician. It's g...

Understanding Autonomic Nervous System Disorders and Mental Health

After puberty, I have been experiencing tremors in my hands and frequent numbness in my limbs. Recently, due to work-related issues, my day-night schedule has been irregular, with late nights, alcohol consumption, and poor sleep quality. I have also been experiencing tinnitus, an...

Dr. Yu Xie Zhao reply Psychiatry
Antidepressant medications can enhance stress resilience, suppress impulsivity, improve mood, and even have analgesic effects (as serotonin acts on spinal nerves). However, excessive various forms of "stress" disrupt the body's self-regulatory functions (including ...

Managing Medication Changes in Psychiatry: Addressing Serotonin Syndrome

Hello, doctor. I have been diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and I have been taking Doxepin 25 mg at bedtime and 0.75 tablets of Zolpidem (Lunesta) for the past two to three years. However, I have been experiencing persistent side effects from Doxepin that have...

Dr. Huang Jiabin reply Psychiatry
Hello: Your body is more sensitive to serotonin, so the addition of citalopram has resulted in serotonin syndrome. You may want to discuss with your physician whether it is possible to switch to a different medication or to reduce the dosage of one of the medications to a lower l...

Understanding Uncontrollable Movements: Anxiety, Depression, and Symptoms

Hello, doctor. I am a patient diagnosed with anxiety disorder and recurrent major depression, and I am currently undergoing medication treatment. I take my antidepressants and various supplements at a fixed time every day. Last night, while taking my medication, I accidentally dr...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. Tics should be evaluated to determine if they are a symptom or related to medication. You can consult with your physician during your follow-up appointment (there's no need to see other specialists at this time). If necessary, a referral to another specialty will be a...