Posted by chloe on May 27, 2001, at 18:22:07
In reply to Re: Had it with the Celexa?, posted by Mitch on May 27, 2001, at 16:21:14
> Chloe-
>
> Back up to the point where your pdoc recommended some Celexa.
>
> 1)Were you taking an AD at that time? What was it and how much did you take?
>
> 2)If you were taking an AD then, why did you want to switch it? Was it lack of efficacy or intolerable side effects? Or are you STILL taking the other AD??
>
> 3)Was there any other change in meds that happened at the *SAME* time that you started the Celexa, i.e. started/stopped/changed a benzo or mood stabilizer or something?
>
> 4)If ALL he did was ADD some Celexa or switch you to Celexa from something else, would you consider yourself to be in better shape at the time immediately before the Celexa came on board?
>
> 5) If you felt better then than you do now and all that happened was a switch to or an addition of Celexa, I would suggest tapering it away and consider something else.
>
> Hope this helps, I have been going through some very unstable times lately myself-esp. with 3-week rapid cycling and a major seasonal depressive episode coming up in about a month.
> Good luck,
>
> Mitch
>
>
>
Mitch,
The long story is:
I had been on Zoloft for about 4 years and it had long pooped out and was making me edgy and anxious. (That seems to be a theme with me and SSRI's. I had the same problem with Prozac.) So I tried Serzone for 8 weeks and all I got were side effects, hot flashes/chills, sedation, anger, but not relief from depression. So I went without an AD for 2 and 1/2 months. I was ok for about 6 weeks. Then my energy level started to wane, and I wasn't able to do much exact the minimum. But at least I was stable! But, every once in a while, for a brief moment, I would passively wish I were dead. Nothing to worry about really, compared to now.So for a couple months I did well on a mood stabilizer (Trileptal) and a benzo. But to prevent "spiraling down," my pdoc added Celexa, first 2mgs, then after a week up to 4 (I am extremely sensitive to meds). The first week was wonderful with positive thoughts and unbounding energy. But soon I crashed. And never really recovered. I only became plagued with anxiety. And the suicidal feelings became very strong. So three days ago, I pushed the Celexa up to 5 mgs, and that was it. After two days on 5, I was a rigid, tremulous, suicidal, hopeless wreck. But also very tired and foggy.
So yesterday I took 2 and 1/2 and today I took 2 mgs. And I am feeling better already. I still have anxiety and a very short fuse. But the suicidal thoughts are better. I am really wondering if the ssri's are making me worse. Or at least Celexa makes me worse. And I have no ambition to go back to Zoloft or Prozac. I hate the pressured, tense feeling on these meds. I don't know how I took it for so many years, other than I was taking Mellaril until 2 years ago. Which I think really took the edge off. All AP's are not an option for me now that I have persistant tongue movements from years of using Mellaril. It very sad. It was a very useful med. Too bad AP's are so damned dangerous when used on a regular, long term basis.
So it seems to me, that I was better off before I started the Celexa. But I do need a *little* something to enhance my mood. Or I get very dull and energyless.
So my question is, could Lamictal work as my mood stabilizer/AD? I always have a very short fuse, so I have needed a mood stabilizer to keep my anger in check. If one had the added bonus of an AD, I think I would be all set.
But I have to say again, I think I am unipolar. And I don't know how well Lamictal works for that. ANd I don't know how useful it is for anger and irritibility. I have a pdoc appointment on Wed. I hope she can answer some of my Q's. Changing meds is extremely difficult for me, so if there is little chance it will work, I am not sure I want to put my body through another change.
There has to be something better than this mix!
Thanks for asking. And I hope you can find a way to feel more stable, too!
Chloe
poster:chloe
thread:63935
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010522/msgs/64444.html