Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 3948

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Info on Celexa/citalopram

Posted by Daniel on March 24, 1999, at 8:54:47

Hello everybody,

I would appreciate a professional advice on the action of celexa/citalopram.

I have read that "citalopram is the MOST selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) of all known SSRIs with minimal effects on norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) neuronal reuptake."

Does that mean that it should theoretically be more helpful in treating depression?

Thank you,

Daniel

 

Re: Info on Celexa/citalopram

Posted by mendel on March 24, 1999, at 23:52:26

In reply to Info on Celexa/citalopram, posted by Daniel on March 24, 1999, at 8:54:47

a recent supplement to the journal of clinical psychiatry concluded that drugs with combined serotonergic and noradrenergic reuptake blockade may be more efficacious than drugs blocking serotonin alone. It should be kept in mind,however,that the studies supporting this conclusion have a financial interest. Finally wellbutrin is an effective antidepressant which acts on dopamine and norepinephrine. Hope this helps.

 

Re: Info on Celexa/citalopram

Posted by mk on March 25, 1999, at 0:04:42

In reply to Info on Celexa/citalopram, posted by Daniel on March 24, 1999, at 8:54:47

> If citalopram has the most minimal effects of any SSRIs on norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA),
does this mean that it would have the least side
effects? Also, would it be the least likely to
cause tremors? This seems logical, but I can't find any specific research.

Hello everybody,
>
> I would appreciate a professional advice on the action of celexa/citalopram.
>
> I have read that "citalopram is the MOST selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) of all known SSRIs with minimal effects on norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) neuronal reuptake."
>
> Does that mean that it should theoretically be more helpful in treating depression?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Daniel

 

Re: Info on Celexa/citalopram

Posted by Mark on March 25, 1999, at 6:21:57

In reply to Info on Celexa/citalopram, posted by Daniel on March 24, 1999, at 8:54:47

It's probably not more effective than other
antidepressants. It is thought to be the
most Serotonin selective of the SSRI's
(Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Zoloft, Celexa) which
means only that it is likely to have less side
effects. So, in general, it is good, likely
to be no better than other antidepressants
(though likely to not be worse), and thought to
have SLIGHTLY less side effects and better
tolerability than the other SSRI's.


> Hello everybody,
>
> I would appreciate a professional advice on the action of celexa/citalopram.
>
> I have read that "citalopram is the MOST selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) of all known SSRIs with minimal effects on norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) neuronal reuptake."
>
> Does that mean that it should theoretically be more helpful in treating depression?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Daniel

 

Re: Info on Celexa/citalopram

Posted by Elizabeth on March 28, 1999, at 4:38:44

In reply to Re: Info on Celexa/citalopram, posted by Mark on March 25, 1999, at 6:21:57

> It's probably not more effective than other
> antidepressants. It is thought to be the
> most Serotonin selective of the SSRI's
> (Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Zoloft, Celexa) which
> means only that it is likely to have less side
> effects. So, in general, it is good, likely
> to be no better than other antidepressants
> (though likely to not be worse), and thought to
> have SLIGHTLY less side effects and better
> tolerability than the other SSRI's.

Well, the side effect thing has always been the main selling point of the SSRIs (that and their safety). It does seem that they work for some kinds of depression for which tricyclics are not very useful (like atypical depression and dysthymia), without the food-drug and drug-drug interactions of the MAO inhibitors, which is pretty nice. (Social phobia and bulimia nervosa are two other disorders for which SSRIs may prove something of a substitute for MAOIs.) And they're the first antidepressants to help much with OCD.

I'm not so convinced that more selective = fewer side effects, though. Paxil (which used to hold the "most selective" title in the U.S. until we got Celexa) seems to cause just as many side effects as Prozac, Zoloft, or Luvox, and I hear more stories of people gaining a lot of weight on Paxil than any of the other SSRIs. (Yeah, I know the official story is that they cause weight loss.) It does seem that Paxil is more likely to be sedating than Prozac or Zoloft, but it's not clear if that has anything to do with its greater "selectivity." I'm pretty amazed at the amount of hype that Celexa has managed to generate. I'd be much more excited if some of the novel European antidepressants (brofaromine, minaprine, tianeptine, etc.) started getting approved here.
It seems to me that the best thing about the SSRIs, side effects-wise, is not so much that they target serotonin, as that they don't bind to alpha-1, histaminergic, and muscarinic cholinergic receptors - that seems to be the source of most of the tricyclics' side effects.

Mirtazapine is certainly the most interesting of the new antidepressants (IMHO), but it carries the curse of a reputation for causing weight gain, which people (women especially - that's two-thirds of diagnosed depressives) just hate.

Having concluded that the available antidepressants were just not working for me (my last antidepressant trial involved Parnate combined with amoxapine), I ended up looking elsewhere even though what I have is clearly depression (well, and panic disorder, but that's been much easier to fix). Anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and stimulants were a bust too, but opioids seem to have some promise. (Now if only I could sleep properly....)

So, what do people think that the next big advance in drug therapy for depression will be?

 

Re: Info on Celexa/citalopram

Posted by Mr. critical to Elizabeth on March 28, 1999, at 10:55:17

In reply to Re: Info on Celexa/citalopram, posted by Elizabeth on March 28, 1999, at 4:38:44

I thought clomipramine was effective in ocd?

 

Re: Info on Celexa/citalopram/weight

Posted by dgbrown1 on July 23, 2001, at 0:19:18

In reply to Re: Info on Celexa/citalopram, posted by Mr. critical to Elizabeth on March 28, 1999, at 10:55:17

I have been on Celexa for approx. 2 months now. I hate to be dramatic but it has saved my life. I wa in a major clinical depressive episode. Tried Serzone, and nearly zonked out. I started on on 10 mil. for a week and then went to 20. I won't get into the situation that threw me inot my latest depressive episode at this point, but I can say that after trying zoloft a few years back, and gaining 50 pounds tha took me-a dedicated gym rat and 30 mile a week runner a year to lose, my first priority was rather Celexa would make me gain weight. so far I have lost about 17 pounds, and I am very hopeful about my future. My dysthimia is under control and my major depression has seen to be lifted. Just 6 weeks ago the only thing I could do was lay on my sofa in the dark and watch cable and cry and eat. But now, I am back to my old self. I have not wanted to end my life or even as much shed a single tear in weeks. I do takd valium, lorazapm and ambien to help me sleep, but we are woeking on the depression first(my psychiatrist and psychologist) then we will work on weaning me ofo of the sleeping pills. I just hope and pray to good that my weight loss continues(I still lift weights, run 20-30 miles a week and stick to mostly fruits and veggies-trying to head off any potential weight gain because I have read on some board that just when people think Celexa is the miracle drug for their depression, they gain twenty pounds seemingly over night and for a woman, that insentive enought to stop taking a drug that may be the best thing for their depression! I know it would be for me. I model and do tv comercials, so my weight MUST best at it's lowest, healthiest point. My Dr. promised me that if anything, if I keep up with my excercise and eat right, Celexa will help me lose weight..and so far she is right. Lately, I barely have an appetite. I must mention that I am on several other drugs(glucophage, aldactone, spironolactone) for polycystic ovary disease-so it could be the combo that is resposible for my appetite loss. What ever, as far as my mental health is concerned, celexa is wonderful. I just hope that it keeps working. I hear that sometimes a drug that has worked in the past can suddenly stop! But that is usually months or years down the road. Sorry to take up so much space and I realize a lot of these posts are old ..but I hope I get lots of feedback-both positive and negative, so that I can get some unbiased opinions from people other than drs. and drug company salespeople(smile) E-mail me directly at dgbrown1@aol.com asap. Please. And good luck to all of my fellow depressives. There is help and there is hope-don't give up!!!!!

 

Bruising on Celexa, anyone?

Posted by KB on August 1, 2001, at 11:24:49

In reply to Re: Info on Celexa/citalopram/weight, posted by dgbrown1 on July 23, 2001, at 0:19:18

Has anyone experienced bruising on Celexa (or similar drugs? I've been taking it since mid-June and have been acquiring strange bruises lately -they're round-ish, ranging in size from a dime to a quarter, and are on my shins, thighs, arms and backs of hands -at the moment I have eight of them and needless to say, I don't remember doing anything to cause them. I'm just wondering if they are related to the Celexa in which case I will point them out to my pdoc or not, in which case I will go see my GP.

 

Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone?

Posted by wendi on August 1, 2001, at 12:26:18

In reply to Bruising on Celexa, anyone?, posted by KB on August 1, 2001, at 11:24:49

>I was just bumped up to 150 mg. of effexor and I have been getting a lot of bruises. It seems like my body is much more sensitive. For example, I had my wrist sitting on the edge of our kitchen counter and very soon had a bruise. I didn't even have to bumb it.

Has anyone experienced bruising on Celexa (or similar drugs? I've been taking it since mid-June and have been acquiring strange bruises lately -they're round-ish, ranging in size from a dime to a quarter, and are on my shins, thighs, arms and backs of hands -at the moment I have eight of them and needless to say, I don't remember doing anything to cause them. I'm just wondering if they are related to the Celexa in which case I will point them out to my pdoc or not, in which case I will go see my GP.

 

Bruising , bleeding more on Effexor+stimulants Q? » wendi

Posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 14:54:06

In reply to Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone?, posted by wendi on August 1, 2001, at 12:26:18

> >I was just bumped up to 150 mg. of effexor and I have been getting a lot of bruises.

Hey, about the Effexor? Yes, I too seem to bruise very easy.

I was wondering are you two(the one on celexa and the one on effexor) really thin, pale looking and anemic as well?
I was wondering because I read in the PDR that it can cause anemia, leukocytosis and leukopenia.
Also, during premarketing evaluation of effexor, it affected frequently, "body as a Whole":
accidental injury? < what's that suppose to mean, that we do not know about it when we get hurt? > :0

Malaise and neck pain?-among other things.

When you bruise easy that means your blood has a coagulation problem. I had my lips lightly tattoed with the "permanant makeup", to put some color in them so I did not look so pale, and ugly...and my lips bled and bled,that the color only stayed in for a week or so. The lady was a professional in her field and asked me if I drank much alcohol, I said,"hell,I hate alcohol". She insisted the only people that really bleed alot are the ones who drink and she never saw anyone bleed so much. $450.00 gone.
I guess thank God I did not have any major surgery, I would of bled to death, who knows?
I am taking 300mgs. Ithink I want to go up to 375, because I am the type the more speedy the drug the calmer I am.
I took asthma medicine that said if it makes you feel nervous or jittery discontinue use, and it would always do the oposite and knock me out. The same with Sudafed and the similar.
Anyone have that experience?

~Amanda

 

Re: Bruising , bleeding more on Effexor+stimulants Q?

Posted by wendi on August 1, 2001, at 15:29:22

In reply to Bruising , bleeding more on Effexor+stimulants Q? » wendi, posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 14:54:06

> > >I weigh about 125 and am 5'4". I've lost close to 10 pounds since I started taking effixor. I am more pale than I was when I started taking effexor. I am normally olive complected but now I'm just white so I think the effexor did change something. Maybe taking an iron supplement will help. I don't know, what do you think?

I was just bumped up to 150 mg. of effexor and I have been getting a lot of bruises.
>
> Hey, about the Effexor? Yes, I too seem to bruise very easy.
>
> I was wondering are you two(the one on celexa and the one on effexor) really thin, pale looking and anemic as well?
> I was wondering because I read in the PDR that it can cause anemia, leukocytosis and leukopenia.
> Also, during premarketing evaluation of effexor, it affected frequently, "body as a Whole":
> accidental injury? < what's that suppose to mean, that we do not know about it when we get hurt? > :0
>
> Malaise and neck pain?-among other things.
>
> When you bruise easy that means your blood has a coagulation problem. I had my lips lightly tattoed with the "permanant makeup", to put some color in them so I did not look so pale, and ugly...and my lips bled and bled,that the color only stayed in for a week or so. The lady was a professional in her field and asked me if I drank much alcohol, I said,"hell,I hate alcohol". She insisted the only people that really bleed alot are the ones who drink and she never saw anyone bleed so much. $450.00 gone.
> I guess thank God I did not have any major surgery, I would of bled to death, who knows?
> I am taking 300mgs. Ithink I want to go up to 375, because I am the type the more speedy the drug the calmer I am.
> I took asthma medicine that said if it makes you feel nervous or jittery discontinue use, and it would always do the oposite and knock me out. The same with Sudafed and the similar.
> Anyone have that experience?
>
> ~Amanda

 

Re: Bruising , bleeding more on Effexor+stimulants Q? » wendi

Posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 16:53:04

In reply to Re: Bruising , bleeding more on Effexor+stimulants Q?, posted by wendi on August 1, 2001, at 15:29:22

> > > >I weigh about 125 and am 5'4". I've lost close to 10 pounds since I started taking effixor. I am more pale than I was when I started taking effexor. I am normally olive complected but now I'm just white so I think the effexor did change something. Maybe taking an iron supplement will help. I don't know, what do you think?

>
>
Hi,
I take 300mg and 5'8 120, but always been thin, it's just now I look kind of unhealthy-thin, you know what I mean?

I am on iron and I have to take 3 pills to the normal one(daily-dose)...doctor's orders.

I am half italian and half swiss, so I have the tendency tobe olive undertones in my pigment. I 've had to change from biege to ivory foundation/powder.

Hy mom tells me I look gothic.

The question is does it help you so far?
Are you one the pill too? Is your periods any different? More cramps or less or the same as always? Can you orgasm? I can't and it's makes me sexually dissinterested.

sorry, I am so blatant , but I want to get the bottom of this for me?

Thanks.

~amanda

> > I was wondering are you two(the one on celexa and the one on effexor) really thin, pale looking and anemic as well?
> > I was wondering because I read in the PDR that it can cause anemia, leukocytosis and leukopenia.
> > Also, during premarketing evaluation of effexor, it affected frequently, "body as a Whole":
> > accidental injury? < what's that suppose to mean, that we do not know about it when we get hurt? > :0
> >

> > When you bruise easy that means your blood has a coagulation problem. I had my lips lightly tattoed with the "permanant makeup", to put some color in them so I did not look so pale, and ugly...and my lips bled and bled,that the color only stayed in for a week or so. The lady was a professional in her field and asked me if I drank much alcohol, I said,"hell,I hate alcohol". She insisted the only people that really bleed alot are the ones who drink and she never saw anyone bleed so much. $450.00 gone.
> > I guess thank God I did not have any major surgery, I would of bled to death, who knows?
> > I am taking 300mgs. Ithink I want to go up to 375, because I am the type the more speedy the drug the calmer I am.
> > I took asthma medicine that said if it makes you feel nervous or jittery discontinue use, and it would always do the oposite and knock me out. The same with Sudafed and the similar.
> > Anyone have that experience?
> >
> > ~Amanda

 

Re: Bruising , bleeding more on Effexor+stimulants Q?

Posted by wendi on August 1, 2001, at 17:25:38

In reply to Re: Bruising , bleeding more on Effexor+stimulants Q? » wendi, posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 16:53:04

> > > >No I'm not on the pill. I had my tubes tied after my third child. Since I started taking effexor my periods are actually better. My doctor has me taking vit. B complex during my pms and periods. Since I started these my periods went from 2+ weeks down to 3-4 days. I've not been able to have a orgasm but I think I am finally moving towards that direction. From what I've heard it tends to get easier with a dose over 300mgs. So I'm still waiting (so is my husband)!

>I weigh about 125 and am 5'4". I've lost close to 10 pounds since I started taking effixor. I am more pale than I was when I started taking effexor. I am normally olive complected but now I'm just white so I think the effexor did change something. Maybe taking an iron supplement will help. I don't know, what do you think?
>
> >
> >
> Hi,
> I take 300mg and 5'8 120, but always been thin, it's just now I look kind of unhealthy-thin, you know what I mean?
>
> I am on iron and I have to take 3 pills to the normal one(daily-dose)...doctor's orders.
>
> I am half italian and half swiss, so I have the tendency tobe olive undertones in my pigment. I 've had to change from biege to ivory foundation/powder.
>
> Hy mom tells me I look gothic.
>
> The question is does it help you so far?
> Are you one the pill too? Is your periods any different? More cramps or less or the same as always? Can you orgasm? I can't and it's makes me sexually dissinterested.
>
> sorry, I am so blatant , but I want to get the bottom of this for me?
>
> Thanks.
>
> ~amanda
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > > I was wondering are you two(the one on celexa and the one on effexor) really thin, pale looking and anemic as well?
> > > I was wondering because I read in the PDR that it can cause anemia, leukocytosis and leukopenia.
> > > Also, during premarketing evaluation of effexor, it affected frequently, "body as a Whole":
> > > accidental injury? < what's that suppose to mean, that we do not know about it when we get hurt? > :0
> > >
>
> > > When you bruise easy that means your blood has a coagulation problem. I had my lips lightly tattoed with the "permanant makeup", to put some color in them so I did not look so pale, and ugly...and my lips bled and bled,that the color only stayed in for a week or so. The lady was a professional in her field and asked me if I drank much alcohol, I said,"hell,I hate alcohol". She insisted the only people that really bleed alot are the ones who drink and she never saw anyone bleed so much. $450.00 gone.
> > > I guess thank God I did not have any major surgery, I would of bled to death, who knows?
> > > I am taking 300mgs. Ithink I want to go up to 375, because I am the type the more speedy the drug the calmer I am.
> > > I took asthma medicine that said if it makes you feel nervous or jittery discontinue use, and it would always do the oposite and knock me out. The same with Sudafed and the similar.
> > > Anyone have that experience?
> > >
> > > ~Amanda

 

Re: Bruising , bleeding more on Effexor+stimulants Q?

Posted by KB on August 1, 2001, at 19:05:24

In reply to Bruising , bleeding more on Effexor+stimulants Q? » wendi, posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 14:54:06


> I was wondering are you two(the one on celexa and the one on effexor) really thin, pale looking and anemic as well?

I am definitely not thin, though I have lost weight on Celexa (probably b/c being depressed made me eat a lot of junk and do nothing). I am
pale normally (I have that red-hair-and-white-skin
combination) so it would be hard to tell if I were paler. I am super-tired, though, which I thought was the Celexa, but could be anemia. I'm a vegetarian, so I'm already at risk for it.

 

Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone? » KB

Posted by Sunnely on August 1, 2001, at 20:58:53

In reply to Bruising on Celexa, anyone?, posted by KB on August 1, 2001, at 11:24:49

Easy bruising has been reported with the use of SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Luvox) and Effexor (a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). This adverse reaction appears to be more common with Prozac. Other bleeding tendencies reported with the use of serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) include nose bleeding (epistaxis), menorrhargia (heavy menstrual flow) and other menstrual problems, ulcerations with hemorrhage, bleeding internal hemorrhoids, and melena (blackish stool).

The mechanism as to how this adverse reaction occurs seems related to the effect of the SRIs on serotonin. Under normal circumstances, platelets (blood particles responsible for clotting) release serotonin at the site of vascular tears, leading to further platelet aggregation and vasodilation (blood vessels enlarge). This permits sealing of the tear stopping the bleeding. It appears that the SRIs block the reuptake of serotonin into the platelets which lead to decreased serotonin to be released by the platelets into the site of bleeding.

Concomitant drugs or herbs taken along with the SRIs may also increased risk of bleeding tendencies. For example NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Aleve, etc., and aspirin), which have anti-platelet effect, taken with SRIs may increase one's risk for gastrointestinal bleeding. Herbs like ginseng, garlic, guarana, ginger, and ginkgo (the "G" herbs) taken along with SRIs may also increase the risk for bleeding tendencies.

The following is also theoretically possible. When someone on SRIs consumes more green, leafy vegetables (abundant in the summer months), the risk of bleeding may also increase. Vitamin K is found in these vegetables and excesssive consumption along with SRIs may further increase risk for bleeding.

The following is a case of spontaneous bruising reported with the use of Effexor. A 19-year-old woman developed spontaneous bruising on her arms a week after beginning Effexor, 50 mg twice a day. She had no personal or family history of any bleeding disorder nor any other medical condition. Her clotting factors and platelet count were noted to be within normal limits. Once Effexor was stopped, her bruisings resolved over 10 days.

***********************

> Has anyone experienced bruising on Celexa (or similar drugs? I've been taking it since mid-June and have been acquiring strange bruises lately -they're round-ish, ranging in size from a dime to a quarter, and are on my shins, thighs, arms and backs of hands -at the moment I have eight of them and needless to say, I don't remember doing anything to cause them. I'm just wondering if they are related to the Celexa in which case I will point them out to my pdoc or not, in which case I will go see my GP.

 

Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone?Sunnely

Posted by wendi on August 1, 2001, at 21:14:19

In reply to Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone? » KB, posted by Sunnely on August 1, 2001, at 20:58:53

> OOps! that was meant for Sunnely. Thanks for the great information.

Easy bruising has been reported with the use of SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Luvox) and Effexor (a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). This adverse reaction appears to be more common with Prozac. Other bleeding tendencies reported with the use of serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) include nose bleeding (epistaxis), menorrhargia (heavy menstrual flow) and other menstrual problems, ulcerations with hemorrhage, bleeding internal hemorrhoids, and melena (blackish stool).
>
> The mechanism as to how this adverse reaction occurs seems related to the effect of the SRIs on serotonin. Under normal circumstances, platelets (blood particles responsible for clotting) release serotonin at the site of vascular tears, leading to further platelet aggregation and vasodilation (blood vessels enlarge). This permits sealing of the tear stopping the bleeding. It appears that the SRIs block the reuptake of serotonin into the platelets which lead to decreased serotonin to be released by the platelets into the site of bleeding.
>
> Concomitant drugs or herbs taken along with the SRIs may also increased risk of bleeding tendencies. For example NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Aleve, etc., and aspirin), which have anti-platelet effect, taken with SRIs may increase one's risk for gastrointestinal bleeding. Herbs like ginseng, garlic, guarana, ginger, and ginkgo (the "G" herbs) taken along with SRIs may also increase the risk for bleeding tendencies.
>
> The following is also theoretically possible. When someone on SRIs consumes more green, leafy vegetables (abundant in the summer months), the risk of bleeding may also increase. Vitamin K is found in these vegetables and excesssive consumption along with SRIs may further increase risk for bleeding.
>
> The following is a case of spontaneous bruising reported with the use of Effexor. A 19-year-old woman developed spontaneous bruising on her arms a week after beginning Effexor, 50 mg twice a day. She had no personal or family history of any bleeding disorder nor any other medical condition. Her clotting factors and platelet count were noted to be within normal limits. Once Effexor was stopped, her bruisings resolved over 10 days.
>
> ***********************
>
> > Has anyone experienced bruising on Celexa (or similar drugs? I've been taking it since mid-June and have been acquiring strange bruises lately -they're round-ish, ranging in size from a dime to a quarter, and are on my shins, thighs, arms and backs of hands -at the moment I have eight of them and needless to say, I don't remember doing anything to cause them. I'm just wondering if they are related to the Celexa in which case I will point them out to my pdoc or not, in which case I will go see my GP.

 

Re: wow thanks for the info can we die? » Sunnely

Posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 21:59:03

In reply to Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone? » KB, posted by Sunnely on August 1, 2001, at 20:58:53

> Easy bruising has been reported with the use of SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, Luvox) and Effexor (a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). This adverse reaction appears to be more common with Prozac. Other bleeding tendencies reported with the use of serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) include nose bleeding (epistaxis), menorrhargia (heavy menstrual flow) and other menstrual problems, ulcerations with hemorrhage, bleeding internal hemorrhoids, and melena (blackish stool).
>
> The mechanism as to how this adverse reaction occurs seems related to the effect of the SRIs on serotonin. Under normal circumstances, platelets (blood particles responsible for clotting) release serotonin at the site of vascular tears, leading to further platelet aggregation and vasodilation (blood vessels enlarge). This permits sealing of the tear stopping the bleeding. It appears that the SRIs block the reuptake of serotonin into the platelets which lead to decreased serotonin to be released by the platelets into the site of bleeding.
>
> Concomitant drugs or herbs taken along with the SRIs may also increased risk of bleeding tendencies. For example NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin, Aleve, etc., and aspirin), which have anti-platelet effect, taken with SRIs may increase one's risk for gastrointestinal bleeding. Herbs like ginseng, garlic, guarana, ginger, and ginkgo (the "G" herbs) taken along with SRIs may also increase the risk for bleeding tendencies.
>
> The following is also theoretically possible. When someone on SRIs consumes more green, leafy vegetables (abundant in the summer months), the risk of bleeding may also increase. Vitamin K is found in these vegetables and excesssive consumption along with SRIs may further increase risk for bleeding.
>
> The following is a case of spontaneous bruising reported with the use of Effexor. A 19-year-old woman developed spontaneous bruising on her arms a week after beginning Effexor, 50 mg twice a day. She had no personal or family history of any bleeding disorder nor any other medical condition. Her clotting factors and platelet count were noted to be within normal limits. Once Effexor was stopped, her bruisings resolved over 10 days.
>
> ***********************
>
Can we die from this? Please tell me? Like if I have surgery?

 

Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone? » wendi

Posted by Sunnely on August 1, 2001, at 23:28:12

In reply to Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone?, posted by wendi on August 1, 2001, at 21:12:15

> > Wow! Thanks KB. Is there anything we can do that will help stop the bruising?

First of all, your doctor should determine what is causing the easy bruising. Are you taking other drugs that may make you more prone to easy bruising? For example, aspirin, the NSAIDs, and Depakote all have anti-platelet effects that can cause easy bruising and other bleeding tendencies. A number of herbs can cause tendency to bleed or bruise. Too many to list but the prominent ones are the "G" herbs I mentioned in my previous post. Your doctor may need to check your complete blood count (CBC) including platelet count and your blood's ability to clot (usually measured by INR).

If the easy bruising continues with the SSRIs or Effexor, consider decreasing the dose and see if the problem is alleviated. If it persists, it's probably time to consider a different antidepressant with less serotonin effect such as Wellbutrin SR.


 

Re: wow thanks for the info can we die?

Posted by Sunnely on August 1, 2001, at 23:43:57

In reply to Re: wow thanks for the info can we die? » Sunnely, posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 21:59:03

> Can we die from this? Please tell me? Like if I have surgery?

I have not encountered in the literature report of SRIs by themselves causing fatality presumably from bleeding tendencies. Please be aware that bleeding tendencies from SRIs that I mentioned in previous post were from anecdotal reports. On the contrary, in a study done in England regarding the potential for SSRI-induced gastrointestinal bleeding, the conclusion was that, when compared to other drugs, SSRIs were no more likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding than the other drugs.

On a related note (a positive one), in one study, it was suggested that SSRIs may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with depression via serotonin-mediated platelet effects (decreases platelet activation). Platelet activation (or release) is known to be increased in patients with depression and is suspected to play a role in these patients' higher risk of CHD.

 

can you die just walking around? » Sunnely

Posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 23:51:38

In reply to Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone? » wendi, posted by Sunnely on August 1, 2001, at 23:28:12

I do not take anything else like you mentioned?
Does your body adapt and correct itself?
I am going to makie an apppointment tomorrow.
EEE-gads!

Thanks Sunnly...for your input, I took kava root a couple times in capsule form, for sleeping it works well.. Is that one a bleeder herb?

 

Re: can you die just walking around?

Posted by stjames on August 2, 2001, at 1:10:43

In reply to can you die just walking around? » Sunnely, posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 23:51:38

> EEE-gads!


Unless you are having this side effect, don't worry as it is very uncommon. It is common practice to stop all meds before a surgery due to this and other reasons. Going from possible bleeding to the statement "can you die just walking around" seems rather inflamitory and quite an unreasonable leap. No where in the anecdotal reports is there mention of a major bleed, just minor ones, and there is no reason a assume otherwise.

James

 

Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone?

Posted by KB on August 2, 2001, at 8:24:11

In reply to Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone? » KB, posted by Sunnely on August 1, 2001, at 20:58:53

Thanks for the information . . . and to everyone who replied - I'm glad to know it's not just something randomly happening to me. I also take Aleve (for rheumatoid arthritis) and two of the "g-herbs", so no wonder . . . a word of warning - be careful about carrying heavy backpacks because the straps from mine bruised my shoulders.

 

Re: Bruising on SSRIs anyone?

Posted by Joy on August 2, 2001, at 16:46:47

In reply to Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone?, posted by KB on August 2, 2001, at 8:24:11

Hi,
I have bruised on every SSRI I've taken including the Prozac I'm on now. My friend is on 80 mgs Prozac and she bruises. It is very common. I brusied while on Paxil and Zoloft too; but at least Prozac is working with no weight gain for me. I'll take the bruises to feel better.
Joy

> Thanks for the information . . . and to everyone who replied - I'm glad to know it's not just something randomly happening to me. I also take Aleve (for rheumatoid arthritis) and two of the "g-herbs", so no wonder . . . a word of warning - be careful about carrying heavy backpacks because the straps from mine bruised my shoulders.

 

Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone? » KB

Posted by PuraVida on August 2, 2001, at 19:32:25

In reply to Re: Bruising on Celexa, anyone?, posted by KB on August 2, 2001, at 8:24:11

I've also experienced this - though I never thought it was the meds...Just started taking Vitamin K with lots of C and it seems to be helping -

> Thanks for the information . . . and to everyone who replied - I'm glad to know it's not just something randomly happening to me. I also take Aleve (for rheumatoid arthritis) and two of the "g-herbs", so no wonder . . . a word of warning - be careful about carrying heavy backpacks because the straps from mine bruised my shoulders.

 

Re: can you die just walking around? » gldngodess

Posted by Sunnely on August 2, 2001, at 19:42:41

In reply to can you die just walking around? » Sunnely, posted by gldngodess on August 1, 2001, at 23:51:38

> Thanks Sunnly...for your input, I took kava root a couple times in capsule form, for sleeping it works well.. Is that one a bleeder herb?

Kava is not one of the "bleeder herbs."

Theoretically, the following herbs could increase one's risk for bleeding especially if taken in combination (not a complete list):

The "G Herbs" - garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, guarana, ginger;

Angelica, anise, arnica, asafoetida, bogbean, boldo, capsicum, celery, chamomile, clove, danshen, fenugreek, feverfew, horse chestnut, horseradish, licorice, meadowsweet, prickly ash, onion, papain, passionflower, poplar, quassia, red clover, turmeric, wild carrot, wild lettuce, willow.


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