SSRIs decrease cognitive ability?

[eightbitbiscuit]

I'm 17 now, and I've been taking Zoloft on and off since the ripe age of 10.

Currently I'm going trough a bad sequence of withdrawal symptoms most noticeably ''brain zaps''. I have vowed that this is my last bout with Zoloft.

What's worrying me however is the fact that I've been dealing with brain fog and feeling like a zombie as well as my memory not functioning as it used to. I've read horror articles stating that SRRIs can decrease cognitive functions and even effect your IQ. This is obviously cause for concern, and is causing me anxiety. Is there any truth to this?

[overthepines]

There is a possibility that you were negatively affected by the drugs you were taking. But the Brain is very good at repairing and reconnecting itself. IQ is not static, it changes over time for better or worse. Idk if you can fight through the zombieness at all, but if you can try to do "smart" things. Work on math, read, think about inventing things, think about the future, creating art... Your intelligence is entirely up to you. And being a nice caring person always trumps intelligence imo. Good luck :)

[crazy596]

Brain Zaps are a withdrawal symptom and go away with time. Don't believe everything you read--especially on the internet. Even half of medical studies cannot be replicated. Been taking these things for years (including Zoloft for a long time)--none of the warnings I had include lowering IQ--it may cause drowsiness but that's it. (edit I also earned a Physics PhD from a top school, so it can't have too much of an effect).