anybody been on anti depressants or anti psychotics and had their feelings blunted/ affected

Geegeenumber1

I am bipolar but been in remission a few years now and no longer on any meds but still suffering the side effects of meds - namely that I do not have any sexual, emotional or other feelings, cannot cry or get drunk or whatever anymore. ANyone relate? Or did you go the other way? would love to share experiences

Juliiaa

When I had to take antidepressants I wanted to sleep for the first 2-3 days of taking medicine. Then I felt normally, there were no mood swings. 

numedides

I was really suicidal before antidep.. now I’m laughing how I felt.. i think the best medicine is being positive, thinking positive…

Geegeenumber1

hi 

thank you for sharing your experiences

my moods are great and im off all meds - its just that I dont have any sexual feelings and cant get drunk or cry - its so strange. I used to enjoy these normal feelings !

Tori_Scope

I've read before that these types of medications can sometimes have lasting effects @Geegeenumber1. If this is something you're worried about, I'd encourage you to speak to your GP or psychiatrist. Is that something you'd feel comfortable doing?

Geegeenumber1

already done that - they cannot provide an answer. 

Tori_Scope

That's frustrating @Geegeenumber1. Could getting a second opinion help? 

Geegeenumber1

ive no longer under MH services and Im glad about that but I hvae spoken to many MH professionals as well as counsellors and GP's and no one has an answer. But its likely caused by the meds which can have numbing effects for years and even for life

Looking on forums like Quora you hear people say they have been effected for years and years its not very reassuring I really miss having my feelings - and I used to enjoy a good cry and want to be able to grieve when I need to etc 

I also used to enjoy a lot of my bipolar traits that are somewhat quashed now, like feeling real joy from music, a painting etc .... but I do not suffer depression anymore which is positive.

I don't want to be sobbing or roaring drunk just able to experience the ups and downs of life but it seems its not to be at least for now

SueHeath

Morning @Geegeenumber1 great new thread
I'm on Duluxotine and Tramadol both for trying to block pain in my brain. Since i have been on the Duluxotine i have noticed my feelings of empathy,sadness,happiness,excitement all seem to be on the same level i don't seem to look forward to things or get as excited about up coming events, like i used to. I have had some good chats with my doctor about this but he as also said it might not be the meds but the change in my life ie; pain,fatigue,bad sleep,weight gain etc. As i am not as mobile it could be an affect of hormons associated with excercise. So who's to know ? 

We have had chats before and as i didn't know much about your condition i looked it up. It may not be due to meds this could be how you feel about things.
If i can be honest, i have heard your excitement in your posts like when you got the flat, moving,buying things for the flat, I have also heard your excitement/sexual arousal when you have spoken about the gay man you would like a relationship with.

Hope i havn't waffled on to much xx

Geegeenumber1

I can get excited superficially - im talking about physical arousal and sexual feelings, i have none and cannot reach sexual climax. I used to have a high sex drive (though didnt have multiple partners)

im on duloxetine for pain too now but only recently - even when i was on no pain meds or mental health drugs i had no feelings.

And how do you explain not being able to get drunk and not being able to cry? I used to be able to cry reading a book or listening to a song now I  can only just well up

But its nice that I am attracted to the guy yes 

SueHeath

Bless you @Geegeenumber1 i can't explain, just put my view on things, i don't know how old you are, you come across as young to me. As many things change in our lives, like sexual arousal/stimulation ability to climax all this has changed in my life due to hormons and getting old. Can't help you with getting drunk tho ha ha unless you try shoots ! There are things that you can buy to help increase some of your feelings, but you would have to make sure they don't effect your condition. xx

Geegeenumber1

im 41

i am having a blood test this week to see if im approaching menipause but they say it would be below average age

it is abit of a coincidence that so many feelings are lost all together - its the meds basically 

Jeffrey has definitely bought out something in me but unfortunately even he cant work miracles

as ive not been married or had children yet i would like it looked at 

ive been referred for psychosexual counselling and take all the libido boosting supps and foods but nothing has helped much, jeffrey has been the biggest help so far.

SueHeath

Glad to hear you getting support and tests - there used to be a saying but i can't remember it properly ha ha - "you don't use it you'l lose it"  something like that.
You don't mention meeting up with others at the pub now - do you have jolly's with mates xx

Geegeenumber1

i dont really have many mates 

my mobility meant i couldnt get out for 2 years and a lot of so called friends proved they are not friends at all 

my mums my best friend

mosst people i just talk to on instagram and facebook or at work etc 

but i think when i graduate and start work and start crossfit, gym etc that will likely change but ive never had a big group of friends im not that way inclined as find it hard to trust people as they have proved its not a good idea

my best friend of 25 years dissapeared off the face of the earth, i think he had some jkind of breakdown and ive never really found anyone I have connected to as much 

maybe jeffrey wil be a friend one day - I want to go back to New York and maybe I will find my American that is not gay - and Jeffrey will be my yanky best friend instead lol

SueHeath

Yep know what you mean and it's hard to just get out there, don't wait try things now bab, i know you work hard but you need time out as well - have you looked on the relationship site on the forum see if you can get any tips - i've got to think about getting ready for my day now but i have enjoyed our chat. Oh by the way when you said the other day about the friendship on here, what i have problems with some times is knowing if i am talking to male or female ha ha - might start a new thread ha ha - don't worry i know your all women and i'm a granny ha ha - have a great day xx

Geegeenumber1

no ive done all the dating sites and going out looking for someone - friends/ relationships - now its about living my life and letting things happen

Im in no hurry to meet anyone, i just happened to meet this guy i like so much and it was by pure chance

I WOULD never run after love 

Everything will fall into place

Have a lovely day x

janer1967

Hi there 

I have never been on any meds that you mention or any long term meds but agree with sue your feelings change with age 

Also the feelings around arousal as sud said can disappear if you are not having any sexual experiences.  I was without any sexual contact for over 5 years and the feelings do go away but fortunately dudnt take long to come back once sexually active 

I think maybe your age could also be contributing factor . I went through early menopause at 42 and pre and post certainly has an affect on your emotions 

As for not getting drunk I have no idea 

Geegeenumber1

yeah i may well be peri or menopausal

we will see what the blood results say

re not having a partner most of my life ive been single with only very ocassional relationships lasting 2 years max and most exes have had very low libido and been not v sexual at all. I on other hand have always had v high libido and sex drive. i wont go into detail any more but yeah i miss having those feelings and have never needed to be in a relationship to experience them


though im reluctant to believe that would stop you being able to cry at all for 2 years

janer1967

I agree it does all seem connected in some way as its all about emotion and feelings 

Let's hope the tests show some answers if not your gp may refer you to a specialist