Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 8027

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Re: Celexa Withdrawels--dina

Posted by Ruth on July 6, 1999, at 7:21:13

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels--ruth, posted by dina on July 3, 1999, at 13:26:52

Dina,

Thanks for your thoughtful response. It sounds like
we have a lot in common as far as the meds we've
been responsive and unresponsive to. Prozac was
the first drug I was given for my depression, and
I took it, consistently for 3 years or so. Before
that went off and on b/c of sexual side effects--decided
I must put sex as a priority on the back burner and
take it consistently for awhile (in hopes that it
would "cure" my depression and I'd be able to go
off). Well that didn't happen--I've found whenever
I go off meds, my depression comes back. I've
started therapy as well for the past year--individual
and group. I finally got totally fed up with the
sexual side effects to the point where it became
part of my depression. It's not an acceptable side
effect for me. I too, have tried serzone and wellbutrin
and both of them didn't work for my depression.
I wonder why the two drugs that aren't supposed to
effect sexuality at all couldn't work for me? Damn.
My roomate takes serzone and it works great for her.
I felt like a zombie on celexa and had trouble with
memory--found it harder to function at work.
I got worn out and depressed and stressed
again from 10 months of experimentation, and now
I'm back to prozac. It's only been a week, and I'm
already frustrated with the sexual side effects.
Luckily, I've got an appt. with a pharmacologist in
a month. I've been really curious about 5htp though.
If it works like an ssri, it might do well for
me, b/c most of the ssri's have helped my depression
they've just had the side effects....

So the bottom line with 5htp is that
you still have your bad days, but you feel like
the 5htp keeps you from spiraling down?

Please keep us updated and thanks so much for
writing :-)

Ruth
of experimentation with different drugs

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Kel on July 6, 1999, at 19:56:58

In reply to Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Jan on June 29, 1999, at 22:40:00

I went off Celexa 3 weeks ago and
started St. John's Wort 2 days after
stopping. I have had minimal
withdrawal (not like Effexor, whoa
what a trip that was). I really am
starting to feel good on the SJW and
I have my sex life back and will
hopefully loose some of the weight
gained from all of the AD's I've
been on in the past 2+ years. Hang
in there and good luck!

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Jenny on July 11, 1999, at 16:37:46

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Kel on July 6, 1999, at 19:56:58

I was just reading some of your posts about trying to go off Celexa. I had been off of it successfully for about 6 weeks but I have started to get really depressed again. The past couple days have been bad and last night I was starting to feel "the slip" and I got really scared and started back on. When I stopped Celexa before I had about 4 weeks of dizziness and spaciness. On Celexa I am somewhat numb and have trouble getting things done and remembering things but at least I'm not depressed. I've been crying for a couple days now because I feel so hopeless. I don't want to alter who I am as a person but I am so afraid of feeling so bad. I am only 26 years old and I worry-do I have 40, 50 even 60 more years of feeling like this? I don't think I can do this to myself or the people who care about me.

When I took a pill again last night I had instant dry mouth, dizziness and extreme feelings of loss of control of my life. It was bad. I am so torn.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you.

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by gail on July 12, 1999, at 19:59:49

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Jenny on July 11, 1999, at 16:37:46

> I was just reading some of your posts about trying to go off Celexa. I had been off of it successfully for about 6 weeks but I have started to get really depressed again. The past couple days have been bad and last night I was starting to feel "the slip" and I got really scared and started back on. When I stopped Celexa before I had about 4 weeks of dizziness and spaciness. On Celexa I am somewhat numb and have trouble getting things done and remembering things but at least I'm not depressed. I've been crying for a couple days now because I feel so hopeless. I don't want to alter who I am as a person but I am so afraid of feeling so bad. I am only 26 years old and I worry-do I have 40, 50 even 60 more years of feeling like this? I don't think I can do this to myself or the people who care about me.
>
> When I took a pill again last night I had instant dry mouth, dizziness and extreme feelings of loss of control of my life. It was bad. I am so torn.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you.


Hi Jenny-

Hope today is better for you. Remember Celexa takes several weeks to settle into your system. I have been on for 6 weeks now and I am feeling good. The cloudy head is gone and I'm able to function much better. I am on 20 a day. Talk to your Dr about how you feel and perhaps he can change your prescription. I am learning that pills alone do not solve the problem. I need counseling to go along with it. Then I hope to quit but not until then. Email me anytime.

gail

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Joe on July 15, 1999, at 20:57:30

In reply to Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Jan on June 29, 1999, at 22:40:00

After 3 weeks, I too noticed the a degradation in short memory. In addition
I experienced dry mouth, mild nausea and additional flatulence.
My objective was to lose weight by coming off Paxil. Celexa did not seem to help with the
weight in my case. Except for 20% weight gain, I personally I prefer Paxil over Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox. Maybe because I have more anxiety than
depression.After 5 weeks experimenting with Celexa I will go back too Paxil which made me feel the best of the
SSRI thus far. Again this is my opinion. You need to try these meds to see
how they work with your chemistry. Good Luck to All!

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels--Jan

Posted by Victor on July 17, 1999, at 14:30:07

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels--ruth, posted by Jan on July 3, 1999, at 23:48:48

I AM in that big hole, and taking 20mg of Celexa, and experiencing the side effects. Is there and end to this??
My therapist wants to put me in a treatment center because I am a danger to myself. At one point I was taking 150mg Effexor twice a day, I felt "normal" but the side effects were too much for me.

Thanks and be well.

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels--Victor

Posted by JohnL on July 18, 1999, at 8:06:31

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels--Jan, posted by Victor on July 17, 1999, at 14:30:07

> I AM in that big hole, and taking 20mg of Celexa, and experiencing the side effects. Is there and end to this??
> My therapist wants to put me in a treatment center because I am a danger to myself. At one point I was taking 150mg Effexor twice a day, I felt "normal" but the side effects were too much for me.
>
> Thanks and be well.

Hi Victor. It is encouraging that medicines have helped (Effexor). Through trial and error you can find a medicine that works but has more tolerable side effects. For example, I've been on Paxil, Zoloft, and Celexa at different times. They helped somewhat, though nowhere near what I needed, but they also killed my sex drive and/or ability almost instantly (within hours of dosing). I am now on Prozac, and though it is a notorious offender just like the others for destroying one's sex life, I'm not having any sexual side effects at all. Go figure. Just goes to show you how different we all are in chemistry. I am only in 3rd week of treatment with Prozac, so it's much too early to pass judgement on its effectiveness or longterm side effects.

I am so sorry you are in that deep black hole. Been there many times myself. What a hellhole. Just have to dig deep and hold on, because there IS light at the end of the tunnel. Concentrate on functioning, getting by, and by all means get the best fastest treatment you can.

If 20mg Celexa is too much with side effects, then you might well need a trial of a different med, because 40mg to 60mg is the usual therapeutic dose. Clinical trials have shown 20mg to be not much better than placebo. Another popular approach is to treat the side effects secondary to the depression. For example, if insomnia is the side effect bothering you, there are meds like Remeron, or small dose of a TCA, that can turbocharge your Celexa and provide good sleep simultaneously. Sexual side effects can be treated with various med approaches too. Whatever the side effect, there is likely another med to counter it and boost your primary med at the same time.

We all know how hard it is, but please hang in there. Just getting by is a monsterous task. Focus on weathering the storm, it doesn't last forever, and know that many of us here are cheering for you. JohnL.

 

Re: Celexa

Posted by mme_l on July 19, 1999, at 17:35:53

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels--Victor, posted by JohnL on July 18, 1999, at 8:06:31

> > I AM in that big hole, and taking 20mg of Celexa, and experiencing the side effects. Is there and end to this??
> > My therapist wants to put me in a treatment center because I am a danger to myself. At one point I was taking 150mg Effexor twice a day, I felt "normal" but the side effects were too much for me.
> >
> > Thanks and be well.
>
> Hi Victor. It is encouraging that medicines have helped (Effexor). Through trial and error you can find a medicine that works but has more tolerable side effects. For example, I've been on Paxil, Zoloft, and Celexa at different times. They helped somewhat, though nowhere near what I needed, but they also killed my sex drive and/or ability almost instantly (within hours of dosing). I am now on Prozac, and though it is a notorious offender just like the others for destroying one's sex life, I'm not having any sexual side effects at all. Go figure. Just goes to show you how different we all are in chemistry. I am only in 3rd week of treatment with Prozac, so it's much too early to pass judgement on its effectiveness or longterm side effects.
>
> I am so sorry you are in that deep black hole. Been there many times myself. What a hellhole. Just have to dig deep and hold on, because there IS light at the end of the tunnel. Concentrate on functioning, getting by, and by all means get the best fastest treatment you can.
>
> If 20mg Celexa is too much with side effects, then you might well need a trial of a different med, because 40mg to 60mg is the usual therapeutic dose. Clinical trials have shown 20mg to be not much better than placebo. Another popular approach is to treat the side effects secondary to the depression. For example, if insomnia is the side effect bothering you, there are meds like Remeron, or small dose of a TCA, that can turbocharge your Celexa and provide good sleep simultaneously. Sexual side effects can be treated with various med approaches too. Whatever the side effect, there is likely another med to counter it and boost your primary med at the same time.
>
> We all know how hard it is, but please hang in there. Just getting by is a monsterous task. Focus on weathering the storm, it doesn't last forever, and know that many of us here are cheering for you. JohnL.


Hi All,

I've been on the Celexa now for several months. I was on Effexor previous to that, and had a heck of a time getting off of it. I had a hard time adjusting to the Celexa and had side effects when I first started, but all of the side effects have dissapeared.

Since I an super-sensitive to medication, I asked the pdoc for the lowest dose. He started me on 20 mg, which drove me crazy anyway. I couldn't stay awake, I was irritable (an understatement), had headaches (but not as bad as on the effexor, which is why I quit that after 4 mo, even though I felt good I quit it), among other side-effects. I begged my doc to cut my medication in half. I got his permission to do so, then worked up to alternating 5 and 10 mg every other day, skipping a day if the headaches got bad, and am up to 10 mg. a day now. My doctor told me that this was not a theraputic dose, but I must admit it must be for me. I feel terrific nowadays, and all the side-effects are gone. My own un-professional opinion is that these drugs need to be tapered onto, and tapered off of.

I hope all of you are doing well. Please hang in there; there is a payoff in the end! It took me months to adjust, and even a car accident - please be careful! The best of luck to all of you!

L


 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Jan on July 21, 1999, at 11:38:56

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels--Victor, posted by JohnL on July 18, 1999, at 8:06:31

I have been off celexa (Again) for 7 days now and all is well mentally. It's only when you stop taking it you realise some of the side effects. On celexa I could last all day without peeing...lol I wonder if this is part of the weight gain thing, as in fluid retention? My short term memory still isnt back to normal yet and I am having trouble sleeping, the only other thing I am experiencing is restless legs, like mild cramps that are worse when I am in bed, anyone else have this type of withdrawel symptom?
stay safe :)

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Roo on July 21, 1999, at 13:12:10

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Jan on July 21, 1999, at 11:38:56

My dad definately had trouble sleeping when he
went off celexa. And now that you mention it,
I had the restless leg thing--I wouldn't have
connected it to celexa, but I guess it probably was
since I haven't had it since...and the peeing
thing too--I drink LOTs of water, and I didn't pee
as much. Definately felt bloated on celexa.

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by mme_l on July 30, 1999, at 11:14:23

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Roo on July 21, 1999, at 13:12:10

> My dad definately had trouble sleeping when he
> went off celexa. And now that you mention it,
> I had the restless leg thing--I wouldn't have
> connected it to celexa, but I guess it probably was
> since I haven't had it since...and the peeing
> thing too--I drink LOTs of water, and I didn't pee
> as much. Definately felt bloated on celexa.

Hi All,

Can I ask you all why you discontinued the celexa?

L

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Brian on August 1, 1999, at 9:43:00

In reply to Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Jan on June 29, 1999, at 22:40:00

You all have me very curious now. I have just recently started Celexa (4 days now) and already feel much better than before. I didn't even realize I was "depressed" until now. I had problems ever waking up in the morning. I was concerned about being late for work too often, so I went to my doctor. After several tests, he started me on Celexa. He claimed it had less side effects than any alternatives.

I am surprised to hear your ill fortunes. From what I gathered from this discussion, Celexa causes sexual dysfunction and headaches. What other "goodies" await?

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Jan on August 1, 1999, at 10:13:47

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by mme_l on July 30, 1999, at 11:14:23

> Hi All,
>
> Can I ask you all why you discontinued the celexa?
>
> L

L
I went off celexa after 5 months, mainly because of the sexual side effects & short term memory loss. It was very good for my depression when I first started it, but as i became well again the side effects were too much of a trade off. I had problems with fatigue, wind, memory, fluid retention and the inability to orgasam. Celexa is a very good drug and i am thankfull that it helped me climb out of my black hole.

Jan

 

Re: Celexa

Posted by mme_l on August 3, 1999, at 20:08:33

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Jan on August 1, 1999, at 10:13:47

> > Hi All,
> >
> > Can I ask you all why you discontinued the celexa?
> >
> > L
>
> L
> I went off celexa after 5 months, mainly because of the sexual side effects & short term memory loss. It was very good for my depression when I first started it, but as i became well again the side effects were too much of a trade off. I had problems with fatigue, wind, memory, fluid retention and the inability to orgasam. Celexa is a very good drug and i am thankfull that it helped me climb out of my black hole.
>
> Jan


I had the sexual side-effects for a month, but they subsided! I had to cut my dose down, though; matter of fact, it took me a long time to get used to the stuff. I started in small increments. I've been on the stuff for five months now, and no more problems. I feel great!

Good luck to all!

mme_l

 

Re: Celexa Withdrawels

Posted by Robert on August 10, 1999, at 19:53:22

In reply to Re: Celexa Withdrawels, posted by Brian on August 1, 1999, at 9:43:00

> You all have me very curious now. I have just recently started Celexa (4 days now) and already feel much better than before. I didn't even realize I was "depressed" until now. I had problems ever waking up in the morning. I was concerned about being late for work too often, so I went to my doctor. After several tests, he started me on Celexa. He claimed it had less side effects than any alternatives.
>Hey Brian. I have been on Celexa for about 2months now. Some of the side effects included jitteriness, slight palpitations and nervousness. I do feel that the efficacy of the drug is worth the initial side effects. I am on 20mgs per day. I take half in the AM and half in the PM. This got rid of the side effects. I don't have the anxiety or panic attacks, and things that used to bother me don't now. You will notice a demonstrable effect on libido; however, this latest for about 3 weeks and disappeared. My drive is back with a vengeance. Good luck. The alternatives such as MAO inhibitors and tricyclics don't appeal to me.
> I am surprised to hear your ill fortunes. From what I gathered from this discussion, Celexa causes sexual dysfunction and headaches. What other "goodies" await?

 

Re: Celexa

Posted by Al on August 10, 1999, at 19:54:40

In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by mme_l on August 3, 1999, at 20:08:33

> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > > Can I ask you all why you discontinued the celexa?
> > >
> > > L
> >
> > L
> > I went off celexa after 5 months, mainly because of the sexual side effects & short term memory loss. It was very good for my depression when I first started it, but as i became well again the side effects were too much of a trade off. I had problems with fatigue, wind, memory, fluid retention and the inability to orgasam. Celexa is a very good drug and i am thankfull that it helped me climb out of my black hole.
> >
> > Jan
>
>
> I had the sexual side-effects for a month, but they subsided! I had to cut my dose down, though; matter of fact, it took me a long time to get used to the stuff. I started in small increments. I've been on the stuff for five months now, and no more problems. I feel great!
>
> Good luck to all!
>
> mme_l

I had virtually no side effects that I was aware of while taking it....but after reading these posts my memory has been awful!! I took it for about 8 months and was feeling much better so doc had me cut my dose in half for 2 weeks then stop and since I have stopped last week I can barely stand up I'm so dizzy & spacey....I feel like a junkie I just want to take some to feel better!!!I ran a red light the other night with my family in the car!!! VERY SCARY!! I'm sad to see I have several more weeks of this!!

 

Re: Celexa/AL

Posted by dina on August 11, 1999, at 14:55:34

In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by Al on August 10, 1999, at 19:54:40

al- i know exactly what you're talking about, its very
frustrating going off AD's abruptly. the key is to
titrate down, slowly. sometimes just taking a celexa
when you're feeling really lousy, will offset the
side effects. i have also had success offsetting the
side effects with 5-htp. see my 6/30 post in this
thread.

i hope i was helpful. take care.
dina

 

Re: Celexa/AL

Posted by Jenny on August 11, 1999, at 22:08:50

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by dina on August 11, 1999, at 14:55:34

> It does take some time for the dizziness to subside, but it will go away. I have been off Celexa for a month now and all of the side effects seem to be out of my system.

Celexa did help me a lot during a low time...and now I seem to be okay. I hope people don't think this is an awful drug because it did help me.


 

Re: Celexa/AL

Posted by argyle on August 12, 1999, at 21:26:27

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by Jenny on August 11, 1999, at 22:08:50

I'm on 20 mg, and went through about half of the listed symptoms for the first couple of weeks. The only(!) thing that stayed was the lack of sex drive (sigh). I've been on it for about 2 1/2 months now, and am getting some insomnia for the *first* time in my life. Go figure.
Overall, it seems to stabilize me. If I forget to take a dose, I start that slide back down in about 4 hours; this reverses within 45 minutes after taking a tab. Haven't had a problem with headaches, but caffeine may be superseding that.

Be well.

Argyle

 

Re: Celexa/AL

Posted by David on August 14, 1999, at 11:48:26

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by Jenny on August 11, 1999, at 22:08:50

I started taking 10MG's two nights ago. It hit me like a truck, and I went to sleep. When I woke up yesterday, I felt like I was hung way over from a night of partying, and was in a fog all day yesterday at work. My concentration was shot, and I felt generally in a fog. I feel like Im in a container, apart from everyone else. I have already experienced a headache twice, concentration and memory are definately effected and the sexual side effects are apparant. Can anyone tell me in detail if this is typical and when and how the progression gets better? What is it "supposed to" feel like?

 

Re: Celexa/AL

Posted by Alice on August 15, 1999, at 13:47:21

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by David on August 14, 1999, at 11:48:26

> I started taking 10MG's two nights ago. It hit me like a truck, and I went to sleep. When I woke up yesterday, I felt like I was hung way over from a night of partying, and was in a fog all day yesterday at work. My concentration was shot, and I felt generally in a fog. I feel like Im in a container, apart from everyone else. I have already experienced a headache twice, concentration and memory are definately effected and the sexual side effects are apparant. Can anyone tell me in detail if this is typical and when and how the progression gets better? What is it "supposed to" feel like?

I felt the same way when I first started on Celexa two months ago. It lasted a few weeks, I took 10 mg. for two weeks then moved up to 20 mg.
Two months later I have no side affects. Hang in there, it does get better, If you can put up with it.

 

Re: Celexa/AL -- for Alice re: anhedonia, etc???

Posted by dj on August 15, 1999, at 14:09:33

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by Alice on August 15, 1999, at 13:47:21

Alice do you truly have NO side effects -- no anhedonia, no sexual side effects, etc? If so congratulations!!! -- Anyone else reading this have a similar expereience of Celexa????

> > I started taking 10MG's two nights ago. It hit me like a truck, and I went to sleep. When I woke up yesterday, I felt like I was hung way over from a night of partying, and was in a fog all day yesterday at work. My concentration was shot, and I felt generally in a fog. I feel like Im in a container, apart from everyone else. I have already experienced a headache twice, concentration and memory are definately effected and the sexual side effects are apparant. Can anyone tell me in detail if this is typical and when and how the progression gets better? What is it "supposed to" feel like?
>
> I felt the same way when I first started on Celexa two months ago. It lasted a few weeks, I took 10 mg. for two weeks then moved up to 20 mg.
> Two months later I have no side affects. Hang in there, it does get better, If you can put up with it.

 

Re: Celexa/AL -- for Alice re: anhedonia, etc???

Posted by Alice on August 15, 1999, at 14:32:27

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL -- for Alice re: anhedonia, etc???, posted by dj on August 15, 1999, at 14:09:33

> Alice do you truly have NO side effects -- no anhedonia, no sexual side effects, etc? If so congratulations!!! -- Anyone else reading this have a similar expereience of Celexa????
>
dj.

Yes, I truely believe that I don't have any side affects. When I first started taking it it was hard to tell what was a side affect and what I was already feeling because of the depression and its symptoms. The physical symptoms that I experienced that were identical to side affects have subsided in me. Emotionally I still feel some depression, I am not fully recovered from depressed behaviors or thinking patterns. The medication is helping some with that, I am in therapy and I am working on trying to be a recovered person from depression. Celexa has helped me feel more in control or my behaviors that come from feelings I have a hard time identifying. So to answer your question, I don't believe I have any side affects, but has the drug "cured" me or all my depressed feelings completely? no. But I am working on that

 

Re: Celexa/AL -- for Alice re: anhedonia, etc???

Posted by dj on August 15, 1999, at 17:56:34

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL -- for Alice re: anhedonia, etc???, posted by Alice on August 15, 1999, at 14:32:27

Alice, is this your first experience with depressions and ADs? Whether it is or not all the best in closing the rest of the gap...

> > Yes,.... The physical symptoms that I experienced that were identical to side affects have subsided in me. Emotionally I still feel some depression, I am not fully recovered from depressed behaviors or thinking patterns. ...So to answer your question, I don't believe I have any side affects, but has the drug "cured" me or all my depressed feelings completely? no. But I am working on that

 

Re: Celexa -- hot flushes, etc...

Posted by dj on August 16, 1999, at 5:54:53

In reply to Re: Celexa/AL, posted by David on August 14, 1999, at 11:48:26

I took 10 mgs. last night and went to bed around 10.30. Woke around 2.30 with heart racing and adrenaline rush and have been up since, thouugh tired. Went to bed feeling down (which is why I decided to take another shot at Celexa after laying an initial run aside a couple of weeks after questioning the side effects). Strangely I awoke with a smile on -- good dream I guess -- though it quickly went away as fatigue set back in but sleep isn't coming only yawns and weariness...

My para-sympathetic system seens to be screwed with or without ADs. Often, hot when others are cool. Chilled when others are warm. Tired despire 6-8 hours sleep. Hard to figure which situation is worse....Both suck.


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