[grabbit]

First time visitor and post to this web site...

Looking to hear from others that have been on SSRIs for 5-10+ years and now off them. What has been your experience after using SSRIs? off for good, did memory improve?

I have been on them for about 10 years and could probably right a book, but basically have been having cognitive and memory issues that are getting worse with time. I have been blaming it on the meds, so have spent last 12 months weaning off Lexapro and have been off for about 6 weeks now. I have tried quitting before several times unsuccessfully, either due to symptoms or a traumatic event comes along and go off the deep end. This time look to stay off.

Unfortunately the cognitive and memory issues are still there and I have good and bad days. Also very irritable, moody, cannot handle any sort of stress or noise..need quiet environment which is very tough as a parent of two high energy kids. mind issues are controlling my life, losing control of my work, marriage, unable to do all that I used to do, am unmotivated, do not want to do anything some days fearing that it will trigger something to pull me into depression or anxiety that will take a week to pull myself out of. It is quite scary. Not the sort of things you can talk about at work, friends or family as they do not understand.

Although I am now seeing a DO who is treating me with both thyroid and hormone therapy, D3 supplements, fish oil, magnesium, Neurolink and other supplements to get my body back into balance. So may just take time.

[dano1976]

I was on zoloft for 7+ years and just recently came off. I as well tried many times to quit but for whatever reason was successfull on the third attempt. Memory and congnitive problems started a few years ago and I did not attribute them at all to zoloft. I had some side effects early on that went away over time and never assumed that new ones could crop up years later. My dr just always tried to increase the dose as a response to the poor memory and congnition when i told him about it, and it wasnt until i finally quit the zoloft that i realized it was ssri induced all along. Quitting is not easy but stick it out and your memory will return and clearer thinking will follow. Obviously never discontinue prescription medication with out the advice of your primary care practioner (blah, blah, blah). There is light at the end of the tunnel. Hope this helps.