I had a long, drawn out post written exploring the depth of my problems and experiences, but I'll spare those details and try keep this short and concise.
I haven't been able to experience feelings of joy, laughter, happiness, contempt, for a very, very long time. I'm not talking about unnatural, fake, hypomanic euphoric feelings. I mean the emotional experience mentally healthy people experience on most days, during positive interactions.
I experienced this intermittently when using 5HTP, DXM, and during the SSRI startup period.
From my limited knowledge, and research, I think what I need is to somehow improve my brains ability to release serotoin at a phasic firing rate. SSRI's dull me dramatically after the start up period, even on 2.5mg of lexapro.
I would like to know:
1) Are the 'highs' experienced during the SSRI startup period, that come through positive interactions/experiences, limited only to hypomanic adaptation periods, or do SSRI's when used chronically restore these emotional experiences?
2) I believe this to be the result of phasic 5HT firing(?). What receptors are at play here?
3) Are their any pharmaceuticals, research chems, supps, etc, out there that are known to enhance these types of emotional experiences, when used chronically?
Thanks for any insight
