Is it normal to for antidepressants to cause extreme apathy?

58% Normal
9 Comments

Ive been taking Effexor 175mg for about two years for panic attacks and depression.
I admit Im not depressed and I don't have anxiety anymore ,but I don't care much about anything. Even things that should bother me don't...I dont lock my door because Im not scared of anyone breaking in, I don't worry about saving money because tomorrow never comes.
I used to be anorexic because I was afraid to get fat, now Im getting fat and I don't care at all...I don't exercise because I don't care if I get heart disease or have to wear a size 20.I also don't get enthused about things that used to make me happy.
I know I should care but I just don't, nothing fazes me. I don't care f the world blows up tomorrow. If I won a huge lottery I think Id just say "that's nice" and go back to bed.
Is it "normal" for this drug to cause such extreme complacency? It seems I can either be off the drug and be a total nervous wreck all the time, or take the drug and become a lazy dispassionate slob.

Voting Results
58% Normal
Based on 24 votes (14 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 9 )
  • (.)(.)boobies
    9 years ago

    Could you talk to your doctor about reducing your dose slightly until you reach a dosage that allows you to feel something but not so much that 'feeling' interferes with your life? It sounds like the dosage you're currently on is too much for you.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
  • [Old Memory]
    9 years ago

    Some of those anti depressants and anti psychotics can cause men to develop breast tissue over time. One of the side effects male lactating..I wish I could make this shit up...

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • 69
      9 years ago

      you could always write a film script and included a character who develops boobs because of it and u can even name him Bob to make a joke that isn't even that funny... a brad pitt & edward norton flick could handle that kinda shit

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • Mxlovee
    7 years ago

    There are so many anti depressants available for you out there! Never be afraid to ask your doctor for alternative options until you find the one that works best for you. Good luck!!!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • wistfulmaiden
    9 years ago

    I wish I didn't have the side effects but I am afraid to come off the pills because I was suicidal before. They also cause crazy realistic dreams, which are kinda cool when theyre not scary.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • dirtybirdy
    9 years ago

    This is why I will never take meds again. The problems don't get fixed, just reduced maybe and then you have a whole new set of problems on top of it. This is the zombie apocalypse in the making.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • palepunk
    9 years ago

    A couple of months ago I had switched back to Zoloft from Paxil. The Paxil not only made me incredibly anxious and angry for no good reason at the strangest times, but I also became extremely apathetic. At least when I'm on the Zoloft I don't feel like a complete nut case... you know?

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • Tommythecat.
    9 years ago

    Yup, I too am extremely apathetic and anti depressants made it even worse.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • [Old Memory]
    9 years ago

    A common problem with psych meds is the side effects.
    They all work different for everyone and can sometimes have reversed effects if the person is misdiagnosed.

    It seems to me that they worked for your anxiety but not your depression. If you are still depressed it would explain why you don't care about anything and because your anxiety is gone you don't worry like you used to.

    You say you're not depressed but it's more common than most people think for someone to be unaware of their own symptoms.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0