Programming While On Medication
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At the time my doctor put me on Lexapro I was having trouble at the office in that I felt my job was at risk. Once the Lexapro kicked in I didn't have a worry in the world, including the instinct to protect my job. Thank goodness someone pointed out the fact to me and I went off the meds. Of course, the reason for having the anxiety to begin with was job pressures, so that was back.
Windows is a pane.
I had also similar issue when i was using Prozac and other SSRI's. Concentration failures , especially when designing a system and coding heavyly creative stuff. I am off the medicines now, my anxiety is for sure returned, but there is a line between our survival instinct and fighting responses which gives us this responsibilities , and whole kind of SSRI's are known causing manic episodes, which causes us to forget or even don't care about responsibilities. So if coding is an art, surely whole antidepression stuff kills the programmer in you.
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At the time my doctor put me on Lexapro I was having trouble at the office in that I felt my job was at risk. Once the Lexapro kicked in I didn't have a worry in the world, including the instinct to protect my job. Thank goodness someone pointed out the fact to me and I went off the meds. Of course, the reason for having the anxiety to begin with was job pressures, so that was back.
Windows is a pane.
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Has anyone experienced problems writing code while on medication of any kind? I take generalized anxiety disorder medication daily and Ambien each night to sleep. I don't think it is the Ambien because I have been taking it for a while and not noticed any difference. I have been on the Lexapro for about 2 months and during that 2 months about 5 of those days working I had a REALLY hard time writing code. It was not that I did not want to write code I just could not get my mind right, the logic did not make sense. To add to how odd this is I find that I don't seem to have as much trouble writing SQL but the VB.NET is just not there. One theory that I have come up with to explain the reason I don't have trouble writing SQL but do with .NET might be because you really don't need to be "creative" to write SQL where as when writing a new system and doing things you have not done you need some creativity. I have read that many artistic people will refuse to take medication like Lexapro because they lose alot of their creativity. Please let me know your thoughts I think that there is probably someone here that might have experienced something similar.
Humble Programmer
I have trouble programming while around people on medication... their lack of visible emotional problems really bring me down. :rolleyes: (as others have said, contact your doctor; these things affect different people in different ways - what matters to you is how they affect you!)
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Has anyone experienced problems writing code while on medication of any kind? I take generalized anxiety disorder medication daily and Ambien each night to sleep. I don't think it is the Ambien because I have been taking it for a while and not noticed any difference. I have been on the Lexapro for about 2 months and during that 2 months about 5 of those days working I had a REALLY hard time writing code. It was not that I did not want to write code I just could not get my mind right, the logic did not make sense. To add to how odd this is I find that I don't seem to have as much trouble writing SQL but the VB.NET is just not there. One theory that I have come up with to explain the reason I don't have trouble writing SQL but do with .NET might be because you really don't need to be "creative" to write SQL where as when writing a new system and doing things you have not done you need some creativity. I have read that many artistic people will refuse to take medication like Lexapro because they lose alot of their creativity. Please let me know your thoughts I think that there is probably someone here that might have experienced something similar.
Humble Programmer
Dear Humble Programmer, Please try to avoid all kind of medication. If you have anxiety, do the exercises like walking for at least half an hour. You may also find some YOGA which can solve these problems...that too without medication. Take care.
Ashfaq Maniar, Software Developer.
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That's too much VB.NET, probably not the medication! ;P
Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value. - Albert Einstein Ernest Laurentin
Probably cause of the illness.
Software Kinetics - Moving software
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Has anyone experienced problems writing code while on medication of any kind? I take generalized anxiety disorder medication daily and Ambien each night to sleep. I don't think it is the Ambien because I have been taking it for a while and not noticed any difference. I have been on the Lexapro for about 2 months and during that 2 months about 5 of those days working I had a REALLY hard time writing code. It was not that I did not want to write code I just could not get my mind right, the logic did not make sense. To add to how odd this is I find that I don't seem to have as much trouble writing SQL but the VB.NET is just not there. One theory that I have come up with to explain the reason I don't have trouble writing SQL but do with .NET might be because you really don't need to be "creative" to write SQL where as when writing a new system and doing things you have not done you need some creativity. I have read that many artistic people will refuse to take medication like Lexapro because they lose alot of their creativity. Please let me know your thoughts I think that there is probably someone here that might have experienced something similar.
Humble Programmer
I've just started taking a Lexapro equivalent again, together with Cymbalta, and find I do sometimes have the same problem as you. However, when I was on Lexapro before, after about a month, it was really great, and my concentration was very good. How long have you been taking Lexapro? Are you aware that it is normal to have adverse effects for the first few weeks taking it? I'm only on my second week back on Lexapro, and I have difficulty getting started coding, but I can already see the improvement once I am properly busy with a coding task, my concentration on it is better.
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Dear Humble Programmer, Please try to avoid all kind of medication. If you have anxiety, do the exercises like walking for at least half an hour. You may also find some YOGA which can solve these problems...that too without medication. Take care.
Ashfaq Maniar, Software Developer.
Ashfaq Maniar wrote:
Please try to avoid all kind of medication.
Yes, your local witch doctor will always have something better. :rolleyes:
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Does a bottle of red wine count?
cheers, Chris Maunder The Code Project Co-founder Microsoft C++ MVP
Swap it for a bottle of brandy and we'll let you in. Oh and don't ever try programming while on morphine - it just doesn't work, and the resulting code is not only uncompilable but surreal (I speak from experience on this one!)
Anna :rose: Having a bad bug day? Tech Blog | Anna's Place | Tears and Laughter "If mushy peas are the food of the devil, the stotty cake is the frisbee of God"
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Has anyone experienced problems writing code while on medication of any kind? I take generalized anxiety disorder medication daily and Ambien each night to sleep. I don't think it is the Ambien because I have been taking it for a while and not noticed any difference. I have been on the Lexapro for about 2 months and during that 2 months about 5 of those days working I had a REALLY hard time writing code. It was not that I did not want to write code I just could not get my mind right, the logic did not make sense. To add to how odd this is I find that I don't seem to have as much trouble writing SQL but the VB.NET is just not there. One theory that I have come up with to explain the reason I don't have trouble writing SQL but do with .NET might be because you really don't need to be "creative" to write SQL where as when writing a new system and doing things you have not done you need some creativity. I have read that many artistic people will refuse to take medication like Lexapro because they lose alot of their creativity. Please let me know your thoughts I think that there is probably someone here that might have experienced something similar.
Humble Programmer
It seems we suffer from the same mental disorder, because I take almost the same medication. Lexapro is considered a top medicine, however it has some side effects; according to my doctor, side effects tend to disappear with use and just the benefits are kept. And it did happen. I do not take Anbien for insomnia. Usually, just antipsychotics (which I had taken also) interfere with your concentration abilities, and even so just for a few days, till your brain get used to and, as said above, keep just the benefits.
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No because it can be good for you here is proof. http://xkcd.com/323/[^]
Humble Programmer
does a reddle of bot wine count? red a bottle of count wine dowse? wine a bottle of red count wine? does that answer your question,lool kidding I never drink:) :laugh:
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Has anyone experienced problems writing code while on medication of any kind? I take generalized anxiety disorder medication daily and Ambien each night to sleep. I don't think it is the Ambien because I have been taking it for a while and not noticed any difference. I have been on the Lexapro for about 2 months and during that 2 months about 5 of those days working I had a REALLY hard time writing code. It was not that I did not want to write code I just could not get my mind right, the logic did not make sense. To add to how odd this is I find that I don't seem to have as much trouble writing SQL but the VB.NET is just not there. One theory that I have come up with to explain the reason I don't have trouble writing SQL but do with .NET might be because you really don't need to be "creative" to write SQL where as when writing a new system and doing things you have not done you need some creativity. I have read that many artistic people will refuse to take medication like Lexapro because they lose alot of their creativity. Please let me know your thoughts I think that there is probably someone here that might have experienced something similar.
Humble Programmer
Ok, here is the thing about this. Programming is an inherentily artistic task. But one with a lot of technical attributes. My experience has shown a significantly elevated population of mental illness among programmers. This primarily shows up as anything from mild Aspergers Syndrome to full blown BiPolar. The reasons why this sort of person tends to fall into these sorts of jobs is pretty obvious when you study the breakdown of the traits of these illnesses. As for the medication, I have had the same issue. The Lexapro is a pretty common first line anti-anxiety/anti-depression medication. My experience with it was very similar to yours. I simply could not do anything creative. I could debug stuff ok, but creating anything new or original was practically impossible. I ended up speaking with my Psychiatrist about it and am now taking a combination of meds that has worked for me for over 3 years now. I still have my days, but everything is far better than it used to be. Drop me a message if you want to talk about it further.
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No because it can be good for you here is proof. http://xkcd.com/323/[^]
Humble Programmer
lol, that comic was hilarious. good one.
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Ok, here is the thing about this. Programming is an inherentily artistic task. But one with a lot of technical attributes. My experience has shown a significantly elevated population of mental illness among programmers. This primarily shows up as anything from mild Aspergers Syndrome to full blown BiPolar. The reasons why this sort of person tends to fall into these sorts of jobs is pretty obvious when you study the breakdown of the traits of these illnesses. As for the medication, I have had the same issue. The Lexapro is a pretty common first line anti-anxiety/anti-depression medication. My experience with it was very similar to yours. I simply could not do anything creative. I could debug stuff ok, but creating anything new or original was practically impossible. I ended up speaking with my Psychiatrist about it and am now taking a combination of meds that has worked for me for over 3 years now. I still have my days, but everything is far better than it used to be. Drop me a message if you want to talk about it further.
;) ;)
That explains it!
Explains what?
The reason you have trouble writing code sometimes!
What do you mean, I have trouble writing code?!
Well, you do tend to drift off to your "secret place" without warning...
Talk about drifting, you are constantly adrift!
Oh, shut up!
NO! I won't shut up! You shut up!
You're nuts!
Shhh, don't tell anyone......And so my day of coding begins - but I know it has NOTHING to do with the drugs I take, like the Effexor and the new anti-seizure med I just started two weeks ago...
Wow, look at the pretty pictures...
What pictures, I don't see any pictures
That's because you're an idiot!
I can't deal with this. I quit
You can't quit!!Sincerely, -Mark mamiller@rhsnet.org
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Has anyone experienced problems writing code while on medication of any kind? I take generalized anxiety disorder medication daily and Ambien each night to sleep. I don't think it is the Ambien because I have been taking it for a while and not noticed any difference. I have been on the Lexapro for about 2 months and during that 2 months about 5 of those days working I had a REALLY hard time writing code. It was not that I did not want to write code I just could not get my mind right, the logic did not make sense. To add to how odd this is I find that I don't seem to have as much trouble writing SQL but the VB.NET is just not there. One theory that I have come up with to explain the reason I don't have trouble writing SQL but do with .NET might be because you really don't need to be "creative" to write SQL where as when writing a new system and doing things you have not done you need some creativity. I have read that many artistic people will refuse to take medication like Lexapro because they lose alot of their creativity. Please let me know your thoughts I think that there is probably someone here that might have experienced something similar.
Humble Programmer
I'm also on Lexapro and have been for over a year. So far I got not problems coding. However there are some intimate side effects that upsets my wife. (See even geeks can get some. :-D ). Also as I am writing this, I am on Darvoset 100 due to surgery recovery. I've found that many things are "well enhanced". Sounds, smells and believe it or not I can actually concentrate better on this stuff than normal. Now if I can only find my next little white pill.....
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;) ;)
That explains it!
Explains what?
The reason you have trouble writing code sometimes!
What do you mean, I have trouble writing code?!
Well, you do tend to drift off to your "secret place" without warning...
Talk about drifting, you are constantly adrift!
Oh, shut up!
NO! I won't shut up! You shut up!
You're nuts!
Shhh, don't tell anyone......And so my day of coding begins - but I know it has NOTHING to do with the drugs I take, like the Effexor and the new anti-seizure med I just started two weeks ago...
Wow, look at the pretty pictures...
What pictures, I don't see any pictures
That's because you're an idiot!
I can't deal with this. I quit
You can't quit!!Sincerely, -Mark mamiller@rhsnet.org
-
I had also similar issue when i was using Prozac and other SSRI's. Concentration failures , especially when designing a system and coding heavyly creative stuff. I am off the medicines now, my anxiety is for sure returned, but there is a line between our survival instinct and fighting responses which gives us this responsibilities , and whole kind of SSRI's are known causing manic episodes, which causes us to forget or even don't care about responsibilities. So if coding is an art, surely whole antidepression stuff kills the programmer in you.
-
Dear Humble Programmer, Please try to avoid all kind of medication. If you have anxiety, do the exercises like walking for at least half an hour. You may also find some YOGA which can solve these problems...that too without medication. Take care.
Ashfaq Maniar, Software Developer.
Absolutely. Avoid medications when ever possible. And never ever take medications that are intended to alter your state of mind! Your mind is the tool you use to make your living. Why would try to alter it with a very blunt instrument like mood altering chemicals. There is absolutely no scientific proof that mental conditions such as anxiety, depression, etc., etc. are CAUSED by chemical "imbalances" in the brain. There IS evidence that altering your mood changes the chemicals in your brain. There are lots of techniques for elevating mood and changing outlook that are far more workable and precise then taking medicines. At best the medicines just mask the symptoms. They don't handle the problem. At worst they can cause all sorts of nasty "side effects". If you've got anxiety problems, there is something that is causing them. Or more likely, someone who is causing them. Identify the actual source of the problem and figure out what you can do about it. Take some causitive action to change the situation. Or avoid the individual or individuals who are triggers for the anxiety. Or if necessary, find a new job. Any of that is easier and better for you then blunting the one thing that is actually vital to your profession. Personnally, I would never trust code that was written by anyone who was on any sort of psychological drug or even pain killer -- even if I was the one who wrote it. Good luck.
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Has anyone experienced problems writing code while on medication of any kind? I take generalized anxiety disorder medication daily and Ambien each night to sleep. I don't think it is the Ambien because I have been taking it for a while and not noticed any difference. I have been on the Lexapro for about 2 months and during that 2 months about 5 of those days working I had a REALLY hard time writing code. It was not that I did not want to write code I just could not get my mind right, the logic did not make sense. To add to how odd this is I find that I don't seem to have as much trouble writing SQL but the VB.NET is just not there. One theory that I have come up with to explain the reason I don't have trouble writing SQL but do with .NET might be because you really don't need to be "creative" to write SQL where as when writing a new system and doing things you have not done you need some creativity. I have read that many artistic people will refuse to take medication like Lexapro because they lose alot of their creativity. Please let me know your thoughts I think that there is probably someone here that might have experienced something similar.
Humble Programmer
The only thing I can use is Ibuprofen. Antihistamines, decongestants, most antibiotics - it is like working with mittens on. I stopped programming for a few years while I dealt with my migraines because anything that helped with my pain eliminated my IQ. It wasn't the creative part it was the logic that disappeared and the ability to hold more then one thought at the time. Yoga, meditation, acupressure and exercise worked better for the pain. They also will help with depression and anxiety. But you have to work at it, I know it is much easier to take a pill sometimes.
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I would suggest that if the medication you are on is affecting your concentration or ability to think clearly, you really need to be returning to your doctor to discuss these with him/her.
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