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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by RG on July 16, 1999, at 22:33:42
I take 40 mgs of celexa, 30 mgs. of Buspar and tiny dose of remeron for sleep at night. I have been on celexa since 5/25/99. I don't think it is helping too much. I still have depressive symptoms (don't want to do stuff, don't want to talk to people, nothing is fun, I don't laugh, low self-esteem, etc.) I never have really thought "hey, this is helping" so.. Has anyone ever taken 60 mgs? I have a real consistent low-grade depression that feels like someone put a heavy robe over me and it is too hard to lift. I have tried prozac (o.k.,but really wasn't doing much at 40 mgs). I am going through a tough time in my life (2.5 years sober and just ended a long-term relationship, but these are actually positive things!!) So... I'd love some input. Zoloft?? Wait longer for celexa?? Maybe I am not trying hard enough (but that is a big symptom of my depression-I am a successful person, really. When I get into the depressed mode I think I am not trying enough) I want to laugh and have some joy-it's like there is no joy. HELP-- P.S. I have tried naltrexone and am not sure if it does a thing.
Posted by gail on July 17, 1999, at 6:54:25
In reply to Celexa-Not Working???, posted by RG on July 16, 1999, at 22:33:42
> I take 40 mgs of celexa, 30 mgs. of Buspar and tiny dose of remeron for sleep at night. I have been on celexa since 5/25/99. I don't think it is helping too much. I still have depressive symptoms (don't want to do stuff, don't want to talk to people, nothing is fun, I don't laugh, low self-esteem, etc.) I never have really thought "hey, this is helping" so.. Has anyone ever taken 60 mgs? I have a real consistent low-grade depression that feels like someone put a heavy robe over me and it is too hard to lift. I have tried prozac (o.k.,but really wasn't doing much at 40 mgs). I am going through a tough time in my life (2.5 years sober and just ended a long-term relationship, but these are actually positive things!!) So... I'd love some input. Zoloft?? Wait longer for celexa?? Maybe I am not trying hard enough (but that is a big symptom of my depression-I am a successful person, really. When I get into the depressed mode I think I am not trying enough) I want to laugh and have some joy-it's like there is no joy. HELP-- P.S. I have tried naltrexone and am not sure if it does a thing.
Hi RG-I have been on Celexa for close to 2 months now and have done alot of research and have heard repeatedly that 40 mg is the working point. My understanding is increase 10 mgs at a time. I take 30 and it has been god sent. Life is so much better for me (not perfect yet so much better). Hope you get what you need.
gail
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.
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