- Published on
"The wider health implication is that commonly used SSRI antidepressants, which target the uptake of serotonin into neurons, may also impact the uptake in immune cells," said Gerard Ahern, Ph.D., assistant professor of Pharmacology at Georgetown and lead researcher on the study.
Ahern continues with...
He said that while it may be possible that SSRI drugs may restore a healthy immune function in people who are depressed and prone to infections, it is possible that they might also bolster immunity to the point that they trigger autoimmune disease. "At this point we just don't know how these drugs might affect immunity, so we really need to clarify the normal role of serotonin in immune cell functioning,"
Ever since I began Effexor (Venlafaxine) I noticed an increase on the times I acquired some sort of infection or virus. I seemed to be much more succeptible to colds that turned into Laryingitis or some sort of pulmonary infection. Now that I'm weaning my immune system seems to be going haywire. For example, last month I had a two week long stomach flu and as of yesterday I began feeling the symptoms of a chest cold that will (due to experience) more than likely turn into Laryingitis and bronchitis. Apart from the viruses, my yeast has been extremely high since beginning the tapering and if left untreated, a high concentration of yeast can wreak havoc on a woman's internal organs and intestines. This article found on medicalnewstoday.com though a bit outdated (2006) proves to me that I'm not the only individual that considered that there must be a correlation between anti-depressants and immunity. As I sit here with the sniffles at one of my favorite diners only a few days before Christmas, I'm disappointed to realize that because of Effexor I will once again be less than healthy and active during a time which should be filled with building memories and sharing laughter with our loved ones.
I am extremely curious to find out if there have been any medical updates in this subject as millions and millions of individuals continue to be prescribed anti-depressants only to have ourselves wind up back at the doctors office requesting more drugs ALL to simply feel "normal." What a vicious cycle the pharmaceuticals have us spinning in.
I'm going to finish up my pancakes and coffee so that I can take my Sudafed and Program supplements. I encourage you all to seek out for yourselves information that can offer insight to your own specific struggles.
To end this post on a positive note, since my discontinuation 7 days ago, I have gradually felt the symptoms go easier and easier on me. Which is a blessing from God himself because only he knows the low of lows which I've endured. 7 days, ZERO Effexor, God you are good!
Happy Sunday Guys! Xoxo
- APA
Nordqvist, C. (2006, January 23). "Popular Antidepressants May Also Affect Human Immune System." Medical News Today. Retrieved from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/36441.
I still have the alerts come to my email though I have to admit it’s been quite some time that I’ve been on my blog. Thank you for your words and you’re welcome! When I was going through this I searched high and low for help, guidance and strength. I’ve been Effexor free ever since and there isn’t one day I’ve regretted everything it took to get clean from it. You can do this! Take each day one by one and remember that each day is it’s own victory! If you ever have any questions feel free to post and I’ll reply the best I can. God bless!