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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Optimistic on May 28, 2002, at 9:37:43
After many years of not responding to many AD's I am contemplating trying Celexa which is one of the only ones I haven't tried. My question is since they will soon be coming out with the "new and improved" Lexapro should I wait and try this instead of the current formulation? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted by Ritch on May 28, 2002, at 13:12:39
In reply to Old Celexa or New Celexa, posted by Optimistic on May 28, 2002, at 9:37:43
> After many years of not responding to many AD's I am contemplating trying Celexa which is one of the only ones I haven't tried. My question is since they will soon be coming out with the "new and improved" Lexapro should I wait and try this instead of the current formulation? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I would wait, since it is supposed to be available next month (sometime) supposedly. You might talk to your pdoc and see if they get some samples in the office (and maybe give your pharmacy a call). My guess is the pdoc's offices will be stocked perhaps as quickly as the pharmacy. I am on very low-dose Celexa, so I plan to flip to the new stuff when it is available since I don't have to spned much $$$ anyhow. The old generic citalopram isn't going to be available anyhow for a while.
Mitch
Posted by Bill L on May 29, 2002, at 9:35:04
In reply to Old Celexa or New Celexa, posted by Optimistic on May 28, 2002, at 9:37:43
I have been on Celexa with much success for 2 and 1/2 years. I plan to switch to Lexapro (new Celexa) next month since it causes less tiredness.
I guess it depends on how bad you feel right now. I don't see any problem with starting Celexa now and then switching to Lexapro next month.
Posted by 2sense on August 14, 2002, at 12:44:32
In reply to Re: Old Celexa or New Celexa, posted by Bill L on May 29, 2002, at 9:35:04
> I have been on Celexa with much success for 2 and 1/2 years. I plan to switch to Lexapro (new Celexa) next month since it causes less tiredness.
>
> I guess it depends on how bad you feel right now. I don't see any problem with starting Celexa now and then switching to Lexapro next month.Has anyone out there tried the "new" celexa that is supposed to have no sexual dysfunction and the side effects of a placebo? My new pdoc is hinting at for PTS once I get weaned off of the clonazepam. I am depressed with thyroid way off and adjusting that, w/d from clonazepam (side effect?), dose lowering of Wellbutrin SR from 300 to 200 -- just wondering if anyone has actually taken it. I tried the "old" celexa 2 years ago and was "ultra" sensitive (tingling in my hand and total sexual dysfunction went up to 20 mg and back off slowly then went on the Wellbutrin (which I was taken w/ the Celexa to counter the sexual dysfunction but it didn't work) -- all was restored when, including no more tingling once off the "old" celexa.
Thanks for any input.
2sense
PS Anyone out there w/d from Klonopin/Clonazepam without taking anything to help? If so what kind of step down are you on doseage-wise and time frame-wise and what (if any) side effects are you having -- any input welcome. Have a great day.
Posted by ross on August 15, 2002, at 23:38:16
In reply to Re: Old Celexa or New Celexa » Bill L, posted by 2sense on August 14, 2002, at 12:44:32
Lexapro is an ssri and will cause sexual side effects. i do not know why people think it is not going to. if you read statements from forest labs about the side effect profile then you will see 9% of males will have sexual side effects....
ross
Posted by 2sense on August 16, 2002, at 7:11:59
In reply to Re: Old Celexa or New Celexa, posted by ross on August 15, 2002, at 23:38:16
Thanks for the info. This new pdoc claims it doesn't and isn't released in the US right now anyway. I don't think she is going to work out anyway. She is basically, "SSRI or depressed and sex, you've tied my hands." She doesn't want me on the Wellbutrin which has worked in the past, but which is lowered for my w/d off clonazepam (klonopin) from the previous doc. She made be correct in what she is saying, but she won't even try to add some Wellbutrin to counter the SSRI sexual dysfunction which most doctors do. She talks an awful lot about "liability".
Thanks for your input ... I knew it was too good to be true.
2sense
Posted by Co on November 19, 2002, at 11:04:57
In reply to Re: Old Celexa or New Celexa » Bill L, posted by 2sense on August 14, 2002, at 12:44:32
I withdrew from Klonopin without taking anything to help.
Prior to me being on Klonopin, I was on Ativan, and stopped cold turkey after 1.5 months, and that was hell. I thought I was going crazy, but had no idea that it was all withdrawal symptoms..
I did things differently with Klonopin...With Klonopin, I was on 1 Mg a day in 2 (0.5 mg)divided doses for 4-5 months.
I tapered by cutting the dose 1/4 mg for a week (get a pill splitter) 0.5 in the am, and 0.25 pm.
Then I went to 0.625 mg for a week. (0.375 am, 0.25 pm)
Then I went to 0.5 in two equal divided doses (0.25 am, 0.25 pm for a week.
Then I went to 0.375 (0.25 am, and 0.125 pm) for 10 days. (I can't recall why I did this for 10 days as opposed to a week)
Then 0.25 in two equal divided doses for a week of (0.125 am and pm)
Then 0.125 for 1 week, with an occasional extra 0.125 as needed.
Then 0.125mg every 36 hours for an additional week.
I had no problems with this method. I suggest you withdrawal very slowly, I tapered even longer than my doctor suggested.
I still keep Klonopin with me just in case, and have had to take 0.25 to 0.5 mg very sporadically, (say once per month) and it worked, and didn't cause any rebound symptoms. I needed it for my wedding, and honeymoon flight.
Your results may vary, but it can be done.
Hope this helps, and hang in there.
co
> >
> PS Anyone out there w/d from Klonopin/Clonazepam without taking anything to help? If so what kind of step down are you on doseage-wise and time frame-wise and what (if any) side effects are you having -- any input welcome. Have a great day.
>
Posted by 2sense on November 19, 2002, at 12:25:04
In reply to Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense, posted by Co on November 19, 2002, at 11:04:57
I am not sure how I got into this email thread -- I know I did post -- but I have been off of it for several months or more -- it was last spring that I was wearning and then this summer -- I had a grand mal seizure -- it was deemed medicinally provoked by the klonopin.
Posted by Squiggles on November 19, 2002, at 13:18:42
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » Co, posted by 2sense on November 19, 2002, at 12:25:04
I am not alone! Hi Co -- that's what i
had too, only nobody believed me; i think
i could have dropped dead and nobody would
have believed me.It was horrible, and I had to take more than
the dose i was getting off of (over 1 and a half
year to get off 1.0mg - incredible);I still have remnants of waves.
Squiggles
Posted by 2sense on November 19, 2002, at 17:01:02
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » 2sense, posted by Squiggles on November 19, 2002, at 13:18:42
Squiggles (and everyone else)
I am very tired -- so it is * probably * just me -- I am not certain I understand what you were saying, at least specifically to me -- in general I totally understand -- the stuff -- depending on why it is prescribed, how much and how long, and in conjunction with other meds -- makes all the difference in the word.
NEVER GIVE UP ---- my 2sense and knowing all the great people on this board -- this two-sense too!!!! :-)
Okay -- I do not know where I'd be without ALL of you. I was reading a thyroid book at Barnes & Nobles last night and low and behold the authors were discussing how Synthroid alone does not “cut” it when it comes to helping the side effects of depression; a known side effect of hypothyroidism. I turned to the chapter – and there he was: our own Dr. Bob AND this web site !!!!
Posted by Squiggles on November 19, 2002, at 17:13:07
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » Squiggles, posted by 2sense on November 19, 2002, at 17:01:02
Uhm, yup there is some confusion here
and I;m not tired; i *THOUGHT* that
Co said that she or he had a seizure
coming off Klonopin; yup so did i - that
is what i meant by "I am not alone".
I hope that clears it up.Hurray for Dr. Bob--I have a British book
on Thyroid treatment - very good - and
i know that at McMaster University in Hamilton,
Ontario CANADA, they are doing research
on depression and thyroixine supplementation;
how well it works i do not know.Squiggles
Posted by 2sense on November 19, 2002, at 17:45:04
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » 2sense, posted by Squiggles on November 19, 2002, at 17:13:07
> Uhm, yup there is some confusion here
> and I;m not tired; i *THOUGHT* that
> Co said that she or he had a seizure
> coming off Klonopin; yup so did i - that
> is what i meant by "I am not alone".
> I hope that clears it up.
>
>
>
> Hurray for Dr. Bob--I have a British book
> on Thyroid treatment - very good - and
> i know that at McMaster University in Hamilton,
> Ontario CANADA, they are doing research
> on depression and thyroixine supplementation;
> how well it works i do not know.
>
> Squiggles
I think I got you -- I have to find a GOOD thyroid person because the antidepressants make me fat and/or anorgasmic and neither one is okay with me. I have a pretty good pdoc now -- and I am going to share my findings regarding T3 and a test other than a blood test for T3, T4, (free or otherwise) and TSH -- along with the fact that being in a certain range means NOTHING -- I mean being at 1.0 or lower is optimal AND there is another test (expensive which is why docs don't run it and insurance companies disccourage it) but it tells so MUCH more than simple blood tests. Also -- the augmenting of Synthroid -- which initially I felt like I was dug out of a grave literally -- but the Hashimoto's antibodies don't stay latent -- the aspect of the depression needs to be addressed and doctors (such as Dr. Goldberg) write of adding T3 along with the T4 (i.e., Synthroid) and then monitor the patient's mood -- I can't wait ... I finally have hope. As my pdoc says, "what's the use of wanting to have sex if you can't " * have it * " -- you know what I mean.Thanks for you input and caring about stuff.
2sense aka Sue
Posted by Squiggles on November 19, 2002, at 17:53:35
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense, posted by 2sense on November 19, 2002, at 17:45:04
Keep us updated on that Sue; it's a new
and interesting line of fine tuning in
depression. The thyroid is known to have
a role in the history of medical research.
For example, the post partum depression
shows how important hormones are in mood.take care
Squiggles
Posted by 2sense on November 19, 2002, at 18:05:59
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » 2sense, posted by Squiggles on November 19, 2002, at 17:53:35
Thanks a lot -- more than you'll EVER know!!!
Posted by bubble on November 21, 2002, at 14:12:02
In reply to Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense, posted by Co on November 19, 2002, at 11:04:57
Did you take Klonopin to cure your withdrawal symptoms?
Posted by 2sense on November 21, 2002, at 16:18:46
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense, posted by bubble on November 21, 2002, at 14:12:02
I was * GOING * off klonopin -- I wasn't using it to taper. I wanted off of it -- completely -- I did this by tapering in very, very small amounts, i.e., 0.25 mg per week, etc.
Hope this clears it up.
Posted by Squiggles on November 21, 2002, at 16:22:30
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » bubble, posted by 2sense on November 21, 2002, at 16:18:46
I'm not sure if these past two post are
addressed to me; well, i would ask my dr.
if i SHOULD get off. And regarding your
previous post, YES, I used clonazepam to
reinstate after the "seizure/stroke" and
then had to add more than i ever took.I really am afraid of this drug, and for
this reason i would suggest the advice
of an addictionologist on how to get off.It is possible that my experience is abnormal
because i took it for such a long time.Squiggles
Posted by 2sense on November 21, 2002, at 16:27:23
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » 2sense, posted by Squiggles on November 21, 2002, at 16:22:30
I too am confused. I was originally put on Klonopin at 0.25 mg for sleep. It has a tolerance thing and so after 4 months or so it was upped to 0.5 and then after a year 1.25 mg. The another doctor took over and upped it to 4 mg. Well I took it for a while (like 6 months) because I was having "female" problems and was in and out of the ER and not paying 'attention' to the Klonopin thing. The prescribing doctor would take me off of the Klonopin, would tell me how to taper and then went out of town and I ran out -- when he returned I had had a grand mal seizure AND when he did call the Klonopin script in after the seizure he (a) called in the wrong dose -- a smaller one and (b) told me it was all part of his supposed diagnosis of me -- which 4 other pdocs said, "Yeah right." So I went to another pdoc who helped me wean myself off -- I started in June and it took until just this last September (of 2002) -- the seizure was Good Friday of 2002. I hope this makes sense. I wish you the best of luck and understand -- I think -- the frustrations you are/maybe experiencing.
Posted by Squiggles on November 21, 2002, at 16:36:41
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » Squiggles, posted by 2sense on November 21, 2002, at 16:27:23
Unlike XANAX, and to my astonishment,
I did not develop tolerance on Rivotril
("Special K"). I had dyspnea and chest
distress after 7 years of taking 0.50, and
it was then that my doctor raised the dose
to double. I guess he thought and was right
that i had hit tolerance-- but notice how long;As for the "stroke/seizure"--it was never
diagnosed as such though it was not really
examined.Frankly, i wished i had never gotten off it
at all and stopped with the Xanax.You sound as if your doctor thinks it's OK to
get off it--i did not have such a liberal
reaction from mine.Squiggles
Posted by 2sense on November 21, 2002, at 16:46:06
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » 2sense, posted by Squiggles on November 21, 2002, at 16:36:41
I guess I'm not sure exactly what you mean. I had more than one doctor at one practice and had to leave that practice because they shouldn't be practicing medicine from where I sit and others (and some doctors "sit). If you do not want to be on Klonopin but want to be on something else -- find another doctor. I know this is easier said than done -- really. What part of the country do you live in? I care -- we care -- those on this board.
Posted by Squiggles on November 21, 2002, at 17:16:11
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » Squiggles, posted by 2sense on November 21, 2002, at 16:46:06
It is not a question of not wanting or wanting
to be on Klonopin. It is now a question of
whether i can or not be on it. I cannot get
off this drug--it almost killed me; and I did
not get any assistance to get off; i used a
Chunk-0-Meter over a year and a half - something
my husband contrived for us; i still had a seizure
or stroke.I am not going through that again - not
young anymore.Squiggles
Posted by Simcha on November 21, 2002, at 21:29:09
In reply to Re: Klonopin (clonazepam) taper... for 2sense » 2sense, posted by Squiggles on November 21, 2002, at 17:16:11
I'm coming off of Klonopin very easily. I've been on it for about a year at 1mg per night. The first week I cut down to .5mg per night and I started to titrate up on Neurontin. The next week, this week I've cut it to .25mg per night. On Saturday, I'll be done with the Klonopin. I think that I might go from 500mg of Neurontin to 600mg of Neurontin on Saturday night. I'm using the Neurontin in place of the Klonopin for bruxism.
This is possible, at least for me. Maybe everyone has a different reaction to coming off of Klonopin. To me it seems to be no big deal.
Simcha
This is the end of the thread.
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