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Re: Depression or OCD?? A HORRIBLE COMPROMISE! ARRGHHH » pretty_paints

Posted by King Vultan on August 3, 2004, at 17:06:42

In reply to Depression or OCD?? A HORRIBLE COMPROMISE! ARRGHHH, posted by pretty_paints on August 3, 2004, at 16:20:42

I've had similar experiences on both Effexor and Zoloft. What I seem to recall from that time period was the notion that because I was feeling less depressed and more capable of caring about things that I had a tendency to become more obsessive/compulsive about them. This is in contrast to when I'm in a depressed state, when I can become so apathetic, I really don't care about anything. In general, if I don't give a rodent's rear end about anything, there is really no reason to get uptight and obsess over stuff. Well, at least the way it seems to work with me.

To conquer--or at least come to terms--with the OCD, you have to realize that it's fundamentally an anxiety disorder. What happens is that you get stuck in a negative feedback loop with ever increasing anxiety. The problem is not the particular issue you are obsessing about--your wart in this case--it's the anxiety that's being generated in the process. I think that cognitive therapy or a good self help book can be very helpful in OCD situations.

In response to your question about dopamine, Effexor is actually a weak dopamine reuptake inhibitor, but the dopamine effect is generally going to be swamped by its powerful effects on serotonin and its somewhat less powerful effects on norepinephrine. Dopamine is basically the pleasure neurotransmitter; it is involved with things like libido, excitement, and enjoyment. It is also the neurotransmitter that drugs of abuse tend to work on, such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine (in cigarettes). My opinion is that Effexor may have a less negative effect on the dopamine system than some of the SSRIs do, at least from what I've read and from my own subjective impressions while taking it.

Todd


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