I've been on Cipralex for 4yrs or so now (15mg) - so long ago I can't actually remember when I started. Some of the side-effects mentioned here are ones I experience too. The brain zaps are quite something. It can sometimes take missing a couple of doses before they hit but when they do they are pretty crazy. My brain also "aches" after a missed dose or two - not really a headache - but just off. I've found with Cipralex my short term memory is completely shot and I have a lot of problems with focus and concentration. Exhaustion is also pretty typical - 5hr energy shots help for this non-coffee drinker on that front. Sleep can also be elusive. I find Melatonin helps with that and for rough periods my former doctor prescribed me some sleeping pills. Not ideal but I keep their use strictly in check (maybe 1 or 2 a month) when I just really need to sleep. My new doctor has told me he won't prescribe those for me again - probably a good idea in the end. I haven't had any nausea, heart rate or thirst side effects though I do sweat a lot more!
When I went on the meds I was deep in depression - barely functional - so the side effects for the first year or two were worth being able to live and work and have joy and excitement again. So for me the meds haven't leveled off my emotions, rather they've allowed me to feel again. I can still get very happy and very sad in the moment, but the major depressive symptoms are gone. All that being said, the side effects have taken a bit of a toll. My work has suffered from my concentration issues and the tiredness and short term memory hits are starting to wear on me. I've also had periods lately where the meds efficacy seems to drop and the depression symptoms are a bit stronger. I don't know if this is normal but hope to either talk to my family doctor or a mental health practitioner soon about it and whether it may be time to try a different medication.
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