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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sarah T. on February 13, 2005, at 22:56:25
Does anyone know why some antidepressants actually worsen depression in some people? When I take Citalopram (Celexa), my depression goes from bad to worse. I understand that Celexa can cause fatigue and apathy, but what I experience is significantly worse than that. I become very hopeless and even suicidal, although I am not that way when I don't take Celexa. I'm NOT on that med now and I don't intend to take it again. Does anyone know why or how an antidepressant can make me so much more depressed? By the way, Lexapro has the same effect on me.
Posted by Spriggy on February 13, 2005, at 23:12:46
In reply to Worsening depression from some antidepressants, posted by Sarah T. on February 13, 2005, at 22:56:25
Oh yeah, Lexapro thrust me into the most horrific depression of my life.
I went on it for a panic attack and here I am, in the deepest, darkest, pit I've ever experienced.
it DEFINITELY made me go from feeling a bit anxious on no meds to feeling completely suicidal on the meds.
I was reading on a site about antidepressentfacts.com and it is absolutely alarming and eye opening what these drugs can do.
Posted by Phillipa on February 13, 2005, at 23:23:31
In reply to Re: Worsening depression from some antidepressants, posted by Spriggy on February 13, 2005, at 23:12:46
Celexa was the first anti-depressant to make me feel more depressed. Since then it's been steady downhill, agoraphobia, anxiety, clinginess, apathy. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by med_empowered on February 13, 2005, at 23:25:58
In reply to Re: Worsening depression from some antidepressants, posted by Spriggy on February 13, 2005, at 23:12:46
hey! Sorry about your bad celexa+lexapro experiences. Unfortunately, no one seems to know just how common these kind of reactions are...antidepressant were/are so hyped, so over-marketed that for a while it seemed like everyone, even doctors, thought they could do no wrong. Anyway, the best explanation I've heard as to WHY things like that happen now and then is simple: no one knows. The brain is uber-complex, and there are bunches and bunches of neurotransmitters...most antidepressants work on 1, a few on 2, and I think only Effexor does more than 2, and then only in high-doses. Anyway, for most of us, soaking our brain in a pool of serotonin/neurepinephrine/dopamine helps, but it seems to set some people on a downward spiral. The problem seems to be that affecting specific neurotransmitters inevitably influences the behavior of other parts of the brain (yes, this has a certain "DUH!" quality to it, but apparently even the pharmaceutical giants took a while to figure it out). Anyway, if you need an antidepressant you may be better off not messing with your serotonin...maybe wellbutrin? Good luck!
Posted by HappyGirl on February 13, 2005, at 23:45:08
In reply to Re: Worsening depression from some antidepressants, posted by med_empowered on February 13, 2005, at 23:25:58
Hi:
I agree with one of posters, .... SSRIs is NOT for everyone.In my case, when I took the Zoloft(very low dosage) sent me 'suicidal' thoughts along with other 'temperamental' problems, ... not once but more than twice. Then, my pdoc. and I both decided any of SSRIs are NOT for me, although most of depressive M.I. are quite happy about it's efficacy.
I've been on the WB along with the Trazodone for my A.D. regimen and it's working fairly well.
Then, in my suggestion, if SSRIs do NOT alleviate your symptoms, ask your pdoc. another form of A.D., since there are several different forms, both older and freshly-made A.D.s. And, some more coming to the market in the future.
H.G.
Posted by Bill LL on February 14, 2005, at 8:58:05
In reply to Worsening depression from some antidepressants, posted by Sarah T. on February 13, 2005, at 22:56:25
I agree with some of the points made by other responders to your questions. You may need an AD that does something other than serotonin.
Both Celexa and Lexapro were great for me. I was on Lexapro for a long time until about 8 months a go when I added Strattera. Strattera affects norepinephrine. It made me feel calmer, and also more focused.
Then last week, I substituted duloxetine for Lexapro. Duloxetine affects both serotonin and norepinephrine. I feel less tired than I did when I was on Lexapro.
But everyone is different.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on February 14, 2005, at 17:50:11
In reply to Re: Worsening depression from some antidepressants, posted by med_empowered on February 13, 2005, at 23:25:58
I think that it can be different for everyone. I had that problem w/ Prozac, but not with Lexapro or Paxil. You could try another SSRI or you could switch to a different class of drugs, like maybe a TCA.
EE
Posted by FredPotter on February 14, 2005, at 18:28:58
In reply to Re: Worsening depression from some antidepressants, posted by Emily Elizabeth on February 14, 2005, at 17:50:11
One explanantion for worsening depression on SSRIs might be this. The Dr believes in them and says your depression will soon be fixed. You turn out to be one of the patients who isn't helped and this, after the optimism of your visit to the Dr makes you feel disappointed and hopeless, especially as you (and your Dr) may believe this is the only treatment. The answer for you and your doc? Education and information (might I suggest psychobabble?)
Fred
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