SSRI anti-depressants and motivation

Question

I am on Celexa and am feeling better mood-wise but still have trouble motivating myself to do everyday things. When I told this to my psychiatrist, she told me that, oddly, SSRIs actually tend to DECREASE motivation in general. Why is that? Anyone had experience with this problem and if so what did you do about it?

Please don't say drugs are evil and try this all-natural cure etc. because I'm in counseling as well and I exercise frequently and eat healthy etc. Thank you.

Answer 1

I've never heard that ssri's decrease motivation, that's not a side effect.  

Answer 2

I've heard it called SSRI apathy syndrome.  I take Lexapro and can vouch for this effect.  This feeling could simply be related to the increase in serotonin.

Answer 3

Hm, that's interesting.

I have taken Celexa and, actually, about 10 different meds that are similiar over a ten year period.  You name it-Prozac, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and so on.

Yes, I have noticed a lack of motivation.

I have terrible OCD and the med I'm on now, Zoloft, treats that disorder well.  

Maybe it kind of over treats some symptoms?  

Kind of like... I'm so much less OC to the point I'm not even worried about things I should be.  Does that make sense?

But I know what you mean.  I'm happy, but I'm happy on the couch doing diddly nothing!!

Ya know, all these SSRI's are really new relative to say something like Penicillin.  Maybe there are side effects that just weren't anticipated or studied long enough. Have you ever noticed the drug reps that parade into Dr. offices with gift baskets and tickets for trips to exotic beaches and such?  

Drugs are not evil (drugs prescribed to help a person lead a normal, happy life) and anybody who would say that to someone who suffers from any kind of mental disorder is cruel.  Nobody wants to have to take all these stupid pills every day but sometimes a person has no choice. I've tried to stop and it was disastrous!

Don't worry what other people say to you.

You should be proud you are  seeking treatment yourself and recognizing that you need help.

Best wishes,

Sarah Jane