Hi all,
I've been diagnosed with severe depression / anxiety / OCD in the past and have been on several antidepressants: Sertraline (~4 months), Mirtazepine (short period), Paroxetine (3.5 years). After weaning off Paroxetine I had extreme anxiety lasting perhaps a year. I've been free of antidepressants for 3 years, and haven't gone back to them because of the side effects (numbing of emotions, sexual effects) and finding them an unsatisfactory solution generally.
At this point I'm not sure if I need an antidepressant - I have a moderate amount of anxiety (completely manageable with certain supplements, e.g. theanine) and don't think I have severe depression anymore, but lack motivation for most activities and don't enjoy things like I used to. Nor would I consider myself obsessive-compulsive (no OC behaviours).
Worst is persistent "brain fog" - I can't think clearly or concentrate worth a damn. I've stopped reading because of trouble focusing and processing information. Learning is pretty much impossible - things don't sink in.
I really would like to avoid going back to antidepressants if at all possible, so -
Has anyone else been in this situation? Are nootropics advisable? Are there any specific supplements that have helped people with or are likely to?
Cheers
e
Edited by epa, 03 December 2011 - 08:18 AM.