Hmmmm…
THE WORLD QUESTION CENTER 2006
Foremost,
as SSRIs elevate serotonin they also suppress dopaminergic pathways
in the brain. And because romantic love is associated with elevated
activity in dopaminergic pathways, it follows that SSRIs can jeopardize
feelings of intense romantic love. SSRIs also curb obsessive thinking
and blunt the emotions–central characteristics of romantic love.
One patient described this reaction well, writing: “After two
bouts of depression in 10 years, my therapist recommended I stay
on serotonin-enhancing antidepressants indefinitely. As appreciative
as I was to have regained my health, I found that my usual enthusiasm
for life was replaced with blandness. My romantic feelings for my
wife declined drastically. With the approval of my therapist, I gradually
discontinued my medication. My enthusiasm returned and our romance
is now as strong as ever. I am prepared to deal with another bout
of depression if need be, but in my case the long-term side effects
of antidepressants render them off limits”.
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