Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it...

Squidgy · 02-15-2008, 08:17 PM

Ever since I was c/t'd off of Celexa I continually make mistakes while speaking. Yesterday I asked for a butternut when I meant a buttertart, and the other day I opened my mouth to say accordion and harmonica came out. I posted on a different board about this, and got lots of responses saying this is common. But I could never find the word for not finding the right word...until tonight. I think I've got it.

It's called verbal paraphasia:

http://www.csuchico.edu/~pmccaffrey/.../336unit5.html

Does this sound familiar to anyone here? And has anyone in protracted withdrawal or who has had a severe reaction found that this improves at all (or better yet, clears up completely?) My memory is still terrible, so I'm having trouble assessing if this is getting better.

Also, another site I found said patients with aphasias tend to take language literally. I feel like I'm doing this too (although I think this is getting better.) It doesn't seem like I can appreciate nuances anymore. Is anyone else having this problem?

Squidgy

babs · 02-15-2008, 08:28 PM

Yes, I have this! Still a problem after over 2 years off. But lots of middle aged people complain of this, so it's really hard to tell what's due to withdrawal and what is just natural aging. I type the wrong word a lot, too.

Ezin · 02-15-2008, 08:32 PM

Yes, I'm like that - am missing the word puns and word plays. When I go back and think about it, they seem obvious, but at the time I often miss the double meanings. I've taken some very odd meanings: a friend told me jokingly that she was boating in comfort, and thanked me - but it was a pun on the Boater's coffee I'd sent her - I genuinely thought she was off rowing, with the kids, in the middle of winter. Cue a very weird conversation. Oops.

paxilgirl · 02-15-2008, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squidgy

It's called verbal paraphasia

Better than having verbal diarrhea...lol.....

but in all seriousness...it is such a common thing when getting of ADs....I always typed the wrong words or even mixed up letters....it is so much better now....

Squidgy · 02-15-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babs

I type the wrong word a lot, too.

Ya, I've got that problem two...I mean too.

Do you think it is getting better at all?

Squidgy

scotty · 02-15-2008, 10:19 PM

"word find" problems are very common. Ryan used to tell me about this alot in withdrawal.

Katesmom · 02-15-2008, 10:34 PM

I don't mean to make light or hijack, because I've been there, but. . .

The title of this thread is straight out of a Seinfeld episode and the word that George was looking for was menage a trois! LOL

Seriously, though, I still have a slightly halting way of speaking when I speak in front of a group because I anticipate that I will have trouble finding the right word. I rarely do anymore, but my entire speech pattern changed to compensate for this.

Hischildvalda · 02-15-2008, 11:22 PM

Those of us with fibromyalgia deal with this problem a lot and blame it on fibrofog.

since95 · 02-15-2008, 11:30 PM

I have been battling this for the last 10 years. I always find myself stuttering or pausing to pull a word out of my memeroy banks. I never contributed it to Paxil use but the pink pill could be to blame. It is embarassing at times. My friends call me mumble mouth. It could be worse, I have a friend called Stumpy.

pokie · 02-16-2008, 12:31 AM

Yes, I feel the same way and it's really annoying. It happens when speaking/writing/typing and it really gets me pissed!!!

Esperance · 02-16-2008, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hischildvalda

Those of us with fibromyalgia deal with this problem a lot and blame it on fibrofog.

Yep, I can vouch for that.
But my mother, who has never suffered from fibro or been on AD does it all the time. Has always done it. Not just with nouns, though that's the commonest, she gets names mixed up. There was a time in my life where she'd run down the list of the names of all the females in the household (including the dogs) until she got to me. . .
She is exceedingly intelligent (was invited to join MENSA but decided she didn't want to associate with a bunch of intellectual snobs). I always put it down to thinking about something else while she's trying to talk. . .

The Buddhists have exercises in mindfulness that I found very helpful. Focus on what you're doing, while you're doing it. Don't try to multi-task.

Chrysalis · 02-16-2008, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by since95

I have been battling this for the last 10 years. I always find myself stuttering or pausing to pull a word out of my memeroy banks. I never contributed it to Paxil use but the pink pill could be to blame. It is embarassing at times. My friends call me mumble mouth. It could be worse, I have a friend called Stumpy.

Squidgy, during WD I had the "word-find" problem very badly at times. Now off Paxhell, it is much better. Some days I'll have more difficulty than others, but overall, it is much better for me. I hope you will see improvement, as well.

happyE · 02-16-2008, 10:40 AM

I am so glad this was posted. I am at the end of my taper and losing words all the time. It is extremely frustrating and honestly starting to scare me! I needed to hear that is has become better with time for some of you. It gives me hope.

imokay · 02-16-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pokie

Yes, I feel the same way and it's really annoying. It happens when speaking/writing/typing and it really gets me pissed!!!

ME TOO!!!!!

Squidgy · 02-16-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ezin

I've taken some very odd meanings: a friend told me jokingly that she was boating in comfort, and thanked me - but it was a pun on the Boater's coffee I'd sent her - I genuinely thought she was off rowing, with the kids, in the middle of winter. Cue a very weird conversation. Oops.

You know, I would have thought the same thing...

Squidgy

attila · 02-17-2008, 01:12 AM

I feel your frustration. My speech pattern has completely changed since being on paxil. Its deliberate and hesitant, often trailing off at the end of sentences as my brain struggles to articulate my thoughts into words. I think I might have brain damage. I do want to recommend regular exercise however. It has been my number tool in enhancing my cognative function. Try it. The words come with much more ease after a solid hour cardio/weights work out.

AntonySandler · 02-17-2008, 07:28 AM

My wife always says I say opposite of what I mean.... I ct'd off of celexa too. WHAT HELL... That was not opposite of what I meant.

texgirl · 02-17-2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squidgy

Last edited by Squidgy : Yesterday at 08:40 PM. Reason: felt like it

LOL! My sentiments exactly.

For those who don't know, you don't actually have to give a reason for editing your post. You can just leave that field blank and click "Save."

leo79 · 02-17-2008, 08:00 PM

Yes I have this on top of everything else. I read somewhere that it is to do with low acetylcholine levels.

Squidgy · 02-18-2008, 01:06 AM

Wow, I'm so sorry everyone is experiencing this. If I wasn't so numb right now, I'd be furious. I think I'm going to go revise my adverse drug reaction report and add the technical term for this.

Leo, is there anything a person can do for low acetylcholine, or is it another wait it out situation? Do you find it is getting better?

Squidgy

leo79 · 02-18-2008, 06:48 AM

Hi Squidgy,

I guess taking the amino-acid percursor choline might help. It's like with any amino-acid dabbling though, it might be a bit risky in withdrawal. Probably trying a bit of it won't hurt. It can also be a result of severe stress which in my case is what it is in addition to the mess Citalopram has caused.

leo79 · 02-18-2008, 11:39 AM

I started to read a bit about choline and acetylcholine. About.com has a page on SSRI withdrawal and the author mentions that acetylcholine production is severely disturbed during withdrawal and in order to minimise problems, it is a good idea to take choline or lecithin supplements. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that is used most when we are under stress apparently. This is a bit confusing for me as I would have thought serotonin and gaba would be more important but anyway I think this is worthy of further research. I'm going to look into it a lot more. I think there are also people on here who take lecithin supplements with great effect.

Squidgy · 02-18-2008, 09:08 PM

Thanks for the info Leo. I will have to look into the lecithin. I'll post if it seems to help...

Squidgy

02-15-2008, 08:17 PM	#1
Squidgy Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 528	Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... Ever since I was c/t'd off of Celexa I continually make mistakes while speaking. Yesterday I asked for a butternut when I meant a buttertart, and the other day I opened my mouth to say accordion and harmonica came out. I posted on a different board about this, and got lots of responses saying this is common. But I could never find the word for not finding the right word...until tonight. I think I've got it. It's called verbal paraphasia: http://www.csuchico.edu/~pmccaffrey/.../336unit5.html Does this sound familiar to anyone here? And has anyone in protracted withdrawal or who has had a severe reaction found that this improves at all (or better yet, clears up completely?) My memory is still terrible, so I'm having trouble assessing if this is getting better. Also, another site I found said patients with aphasias tend to take language literally. I feel like I'm doing this too (although I think this is getting better.) It doesn't seem like I can appreciate nuances anymore. Is anyone else having this problem? Squidgy __________________ It is better to be brave early.-Dion Henderson 1998?-2002 various SSRIs 2002-2004? Celexa, c/t'd off, started acupuncture, felt fine. 2006 Several kindling reactions to Celexa which I restarted for situational problems, followed by c/t and then a reaction to Zyprexa. Akathisia, severe dissociation, etc... Put on Propranolol, Valium and Ativan for akathisia. May 2009-On 5mg Propranolol, and Valium, and tapering the latter. (Also took short courses of other drugs during these reactions.)

02-15-2008, 08:28 PM	#2
babs Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 4,939	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... Yes, I have this! Still a problem after over 2 years off. But lots of middle aged people complain of this, so it's really hard to tell what's due to withdrawal and what is just natural aging. I type the wrong word a lot, too. __________________ Babs Paxil 20mg 1994-2005 2 failed attempts to quit Tapered Jan-April 2005 Paxil-free since May 1, 2005 "Glinda the Good Witch informed her that she had the power to go home all along; all she had to do was click her heels together. Why hadn't she told Dorothy that in the first place? Because, explains Glinda, she wouldn't have believed it, she had to learn it for herself."

02-15-2008, 08:32 PM	#3
Ezin Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: UK Posts: 277	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... Yes, I'm like that - am missing the word puns and word plays. When I go back and think about it, they seem obvious, but at the time I often miss the double meanings. I've taken some very odd meanings: a friend told me jokingly that she was boating in comfort, and thanked me - but it was a pun on the Boater's coffee I'd sent her - I genuinely thought she was off rowing, with the kids, in the middle of winter. Cue a very weird conversation. Oops. __________________ - Prozac up to 60mg, citalopram, mirtazapine. - Akathisia throughout + shedloads of side-effects. Including acute suicidality & self-mutilation. - Benzos prescribed to counteract SSRI adverse effects (didn't work, worsened situation). Years of zombied polydrugged hell. - Medical profession steadfastly observed this was 'helping me'. Good Lord, what amazin' logic. Sectioned. Cold turkeyed, in 2001 to save life. Still displaying multiple problems, sashaying along in Dali-esque existence.

02-15-2008, 10:19 PM	#6
scotty Administrator & Advocate Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 38,588	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... "word find" problems are very common. Ryan used to tell me about this alot in withdrawal. __________________ AKA Laurie "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

02-15-2008, 10:34 PM	#7
Katesmom Moderator Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 13,706	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... I don't mean to make light or hijack, because I've been there, but. . . The title of this thread is straight out of a Seinfeld episode and the word that George was looking for was menage a trois! LOL Seriously, though, I still have a slightly halting way of speaking when I speak in front of a group because I anticipate that I will have trouble finding the right word. I rarely do anymore, but my entire speech pattern changed to compensate for this. __________________ Katesmom aka Kim started Paxil Oct. 2003 for PIH Paxil free since 19 Jul 2005 ". . .the cruelest lies are often told without a word. . .the kindest truths are often spoken, never heard." -- Ben Folds

02-15-2008, 11:22 PM	#8
Hischildvalda Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: California Posts: 31	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... Those of us with fibromyalgia deal with this problem a lot and blame it on fibrofog. __________________ Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia May 2000 Started Paxil, 20 mg. Jan. 2001 Reduced to 10 mg. July 18, 2007 Reduced to 5 mg. Oct. 23, 2007 Last dosage taken Nov. 11, 2007 Failed Restarted at 3 mg. Nov. 17, 2007 Reduced to 2.5 mg. Dec. 11, 2007 Liquid Paxil 1 1/2 mg. Jan. 10, 2008 skip every other day Jan. 20, 2008 Last dosage taken Feb. 7, 2008

02-15-2008, 11:30 PM	#9
since95 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Edmonton Posts: 351	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... I have been battling this for the last 10 years. I always find myself stuttering or pausing to pull a word out of my memeroy banks. I never contributed it to Paxil use but the pink pill could be to blame. It is embarassing at times. My friends call me mumble mouth. It could be worse, I have a friend called Stumpy. __________________ Since95 aka Dan -On Paxil for 15-1/2 years. Completed 2-1/2 year taper from 40mgs Paxil - 0. Med free August 24, 2009!

02-16-2008, 12:31 AM	#10
pokie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 3,118	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... Yes, I feel the same way and it's really annoying. It happens when speaking/writing/typing and it really gets me pissed!!! __________________ Been on this crap since 1995 First taper 10% 2006 20mg to 8mgs crashed My 2nd Taper attempt! 10/01/08 40mgs 12/9/08 36mgs 01/09/09 33mgs 02/09/09 30mgs 03/12/09 27mgs 04/28/09 24mgs 05/24/09 23mgs 06/09 CBT started 07/21/09 22.5mgs 08/12/09 22mgs 09/03/09 21.5mgs 09/24/09 21mgs 10/16/09 20.5mgs 11/07/09 20mgs

02-16-2008, 10:40 AM	#13
happyE Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 19	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... I am so glad this was posted. I am at the end of my taper and losing words all the time. It is extremely frustrating and honestly starting to scare me! I needed to hear that is has become better with time for some of you. It gives me hope. __________________ Finished my last taper - Prozac (11 month taper) As of March 1, 2008 For the first time in 14 years I am completely med free!

02-17-2008, 01:12 AM	#16
attila Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 33	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... I feel your frustration. My speech pattern has completely changed since being on paxil. Its deliberate and hesitant, often trailing off at the end of sentences as my brain struggles to articulate my thoughts into words. I think I might have brain damage. I do want to recommend regular exercise however. It has been my number tool in enhancing my cognative function. Try it. The words come with much more ease after a solid hour cardio/weights work out. __________________ Paxil: since 1995 currently on 5 mg

02-17-2008, 07:28 AM	#17
AntonySandler "Has bulb burns on his buns" Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: PA Posts: 511	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... My wife always says I say opposite of what I mean.... I ct'd off of celexa too. WHAT HELL... That was not opposite of what I meant. __________________ 20 mg of citlopram (generic celexa) Nov 2004 for insomnia worries over another deployment in less than two years 40 mg for a few days (suggestion of a therapist) 20 mg for a few weeks ct withdrawal Feb 2005 2 days later horrible homicidal thoughts (never before experienced) 20 mg a few days later realized it was withdrawal, went back on to withdrawal slowly End Sep- begin Oct 2005 completed withdrawal 2006 New Years day things got worse Still looking for the light

02-17-2008, 08:00 PM	#19
leo79 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sheffield, UK Posts: 1,388	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... Yes I have this on top of everything else. I read somewhere that it is to do with low acetylcholine levels. __________________ Poisoned by SSRIs.

02-18-2008, 01:06 AM	#20
Squidgy Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 528	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... Wow, I'm so sorry everyone is experiencing this. If I wasn't so numb right now, I'd be furious. I think I'm going to go revise my adverse drug reaction report and add the technical term for this. Leo, is there anything a person can do for low acetylcholine, or is it another wait it out situation? Do you find it is getting better? Squidgy __________________ It is better to be brave early.-Dion Henderson 1998?-2002 various SSRIs 2002-2004? Celexa, c/t'd off, started acupuncture, felt fine. 2006 Several kindling reactions to Celexa which I restarted for situational problems, followed by c/t and then a reaction to Zyprexa. Akathisia, severe dissociation, etc... Put on Propranolol, Valium and Ativan for akathisia. May 2009-On 5mg Propranolol, and Valium, and tapering the latter. (Also took short courses of other drugs during these reactions.)

02-18-2008, 06:48 AM	#21
leo79 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sheffield, UK Posts: 1,388	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... Hi Squidgy, I guess taking the amino-acid percursor choline might help. It's like with any amino-acid dabbling though, it might be a bit risky in withdrawal. Probably trying a bit of it won't hurt. It can also be a result of severe stress which in my case is what it is in addition to the mess Citalopram has caused. __________________ Poisoned by SSRIs.

02-18-2008, 11:39 AM	#22
leo79 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sheffield, UK Posts: 1,388	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... I started to read a bit about choline and acetylcholine. About.com has a page on SSRI withdrawal and the author mentions that acetylcholine production is severely disturbed during withdrawal and in order to minimise problems, it is a good idea to take choline or lecithin supplements. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that is used most when we are under stress apparently. This is a bit confusing for me as I would have thought serotonin and gaba would be more important but anyway I think this is worthy of further research. I'm going to look into it a lot more. I think there are also people on here who take lecithin supplements with great effect. __________________ Poisoned by SSRIs.

02-18-2008, 09:08 PM	#23
Squidgy Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 528	Re: Can't find the right word? I think I found the word for it... Thanks for the info Leo. I will have to look into the lecithin. I'll post if it seems to help... Squidgy __________________ It is better to be brave early.-Dion Henderson 1998?-2002 various SSRIs 2002-2004? Celexa, c/t'd off, started acupuncture, felt fine. 2006 Several kindling reactions to Celexa which I restarted for situational problems, followed by c/t and then a reaction to Zyprexa. Akathisia, severe dissociation, etc... Put on Propranolol, Valium and Ativan for akathisia. May 2009-On 5mg Propranolol, and Valium, and tapering the latter. (Also took short courses of other drugs during these reactions.)

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