Lexapro and engaging/listening on conversations

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My best friend and wife both told me that I've never been as engaged in conversation as I am currently. They feel like there's somebody there listening and partaking in the conversation. I think I know what they mean. Before I was more like in my own world. I would be hearing stuff but not really listening very intensely most of the time. I seem to be less bored of talking with the few people I know. Has anybody felt this way when taking SSRIs?

I've been on Lexapro for about 6 years and I've never noticed an improvement in my ability to engage in conversation. If anything, it's actually gotten worse over the years. I tune out most everything other people tell me, sometimes leading me to be surprised at an upcoming event and saying "why didn't you tell me?" and the other people saying "we did try to tell you, but you weren't listening."

SSRI meds make me shut down even more. Paxil and Zoloft. Getting off them was the best thing for me.

I'm on lexapro and do not notice a difference.

I know someone whos tried taking lexapro and sister meds its actually made their life worse they said to me that they wish they never took it from day one too many cons to put with.

I know I try to engage people more in conversation more with meds than without. I used to tune out without wanting to, making me feel guilty about it, thinking people would say, "WHY CAN'T YOU JUST DO THAT?", thinking there was something really wrong with my my ability to want to listen.

I think Abilify has helped me with this, and Lexapro will too in the long run (need to wait for the sedation effect to wear off I hope).

Bill

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Recall reading a How To (understand) Hyperactivity book (1981) about ADHD Inattentive by C. Thomas Wild. Wild reported a surprising positive response to a FDA approved medicine (Tirend - contains caffeine - 100 mg/plus other ingredients)(not a cure). The Tirend temporarily improved his ability to listen so dramatically he became a customer service clerk at a large utility. That's one of the rare reports I am aware of where a medicine temporarily improved aspects of hearing/listening/auditory processing (not a cure).

Also, I definitely need SSRI's for depression and anxiety. Luvox was bad, though - it increased pyschotic symptoms and made me very sedated (especially when I had Clozaril prescribed with it together - something the psychiatrist should have known about.