Posted by pellmell on September 22, 2002, at 20:09:53
In reply to Cannot focus on effexor..., posted by ADJ on September 21, 2002, at 5:20:18
I had a similar problem when I was taking Effexor. It wasn't that I felt spacey, it was more like...yeah, I couldn't seriously focus on anything. And it wasn't like how I've felt when I've been on too much of a straight SSRI, either. When that happens I'm aware of what's going on in my life, but don't see the point in doing anything about it. On Effexor I felt like I was moving through the world, but not really part of it. Not really engaged with it. Looking back, there was a lot that went on in my life that I just didn't *notice* while I was taking the drug. I was hesitant to blame it, though, 'cause I'd read that it was supposed to actually improve concentration, pdocs were starting to prescribe it to people with ADD, etc.
It makes perfect sense that Effexor would have anticholinergic effects. Thanks turalizz.
So yeah, I agree with the other people who posted here that the Effexor's probably your problem. See what your doc thinks about switching to something else; there are certainly other drugs that are as effective that don't make your brain feel like a piece of old velcro. The "activating" SSRIs (Prozac and Zoloft) come to mind.
> I know this is probably a stupid question as I guess its kind of what the drug is supposed to do. But after a while of taking it does it go away? My professional life NEEDS me to stay focused as I am a student and an aspiring 3d animator. And in my personal life I would like to be able to focus some anyways. What it is, is like I can focus normally, but I just can't really FOCUS. Like when I need to be REALLY into something I just cant do it. Like studying, reading, watching TV, etc etc...
poster:pellmell
thread:120600
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020922/msgs/120776.html