Posted by JohnL on July 17, 1999, at 10:03:48
In reply to Celexa-Not Working???, posted by RG on July 16, 1999, at 22:33:42
Hi RG. So sorry things are so rough. I can relate, as can so many others. "Don't want to do stuff, don't want to talk to people, nothing is fun, I don't laugh..." - couldn't have described it better myself. Can't really offer much advice, because I'm sure you know these drugs take time (up to 3 months), especially if it has been a long-standing depression. If Celexa is helping at all, it might be best to up the dose a bit and give it more time, and consider augmenting it with something else like small dose Lithium or maybe Pindolol, Lamictal, or a TCA, and drop the Buspar. I say this because it is usually better and faster to work with a partially effective drug before making a complete switch. On the other hand, if Celexa/Buspar isn't helping at all, perhaps dig deep for the persistence of another 3 or 4 weeks and then possibly abandon ship for a new medicine.
It has been said that long-standing low grade depression-(though I wouldn't call ANY depression low grade!)-is much more difficult to treat than a straight forward severe depressive bout. The long-standing ones require higher doses and long duration. No such thing as low-grade in my book. While someone in a severe depressive bout may feel rapid drug relief in as little as 1 or 3 weeks, those of us with longterm depressions can expect gradual subtle improvement over 2 or 3 months or longer. Encouraging huh?
You've tried several things already, but luckily there are many other choices remaining. I feel exactly as you do, and my heart goes out to you. At some point in time you and I both will get better. In the meantime, it seems obvious to me that you have been gifted the needed strength to go on, and I applaud you for your efforts to get through your days with such a heavy weight to carry around. No one around you has any clue how very strong you are. Wish there was a quick fix. Just realize you aren't alone in this. I offer you my support and understanding. I wish very much for you to have a "smooth" day. JohnL.
poster:JohnL
thread:8812
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990628/msgs/8829.html