SSRIs

Question:

Jen, I hope you’re feeling better! I held onto Ultram and took one about 6 months later. Exactly the same itchiness, rashes, dizziness and extreme nausea appeared after just one and I didn’t feel right for a couple of days, so be cautious with trying it later since you reacted badly to it. In my case it didn’t work that well anyway, so the risk/benefit ratio wasn’t worth it for me, but if it works well for you, maybe the side effects are worth it … . I too find it difficult to find meds that work and don’t cause me intolerable side effects. I hope you find a painkiller that works and doesn’t make you feel awful Keep your chin up! Jay – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thank you, Jay, and everyone else who replied.  I think my response to > Ultracet (Ultram) was quite similar to yours.  After about a week my > body simply rejected the stuff (this has happened to me before – side > effects worsen until I can’t tolerate the med any longer, rather than > acclimating to it).  Then, when I stopped it, I had one day of the bad > reaction to the drug, followed by a few days of – I don’t know, I > guess it still being in my system or getting out or withdrawaing  - > got me.  I was ill for a few days, none as bad as the first.  And what > makes me think serotonin was implicated is I had radical mood swings > and terrible nightmares over those few days.  No energy, so lots of > sleep and lots of nightmares.  One days I was depressed and suicidal, > the next day I was irritated and anxious, and at times I felt > everything was absolutely fine.  I developed a rash one night that I > think was more anxiety than drug related, but as soon as I saw it I > freaked, which made it worse. > I was also extremely thirsty, my body telling me to flush out  the > med, I’m assuming. > Thank you for telling me your story.  It helped me understand. > Btw, the med worked wonders on my pain and I’ll hold onto it for an > as-needed crisis.  Perhaps not being on a regular dose it will be > tolerable.  Only time and my readiness to try will tell, though. > It’s extremely hard for me to find medications I can tolerate – > everything from antibiotics to antidepressants.  Bummer, having so > many medical problems and all… but, life is unfair I suppose.  I do > what I can. > Thanks again.  I wanted to check in a respond since everyone was so > kind in taking the time to answer my questions. > Jen

Response:

Thanks so much for the reply.  I was actually on Ultracet, not Ultram – which shows where my head is – but I guess the acetominphen isn’t the issue anyway. I have absolutely terrible reactions to SSRIs so your story actually sounds like me.  I think after my first dose yesterday (one week into it) I felt my body just reject the stuff – too much med.  I stopped it (Ultracet).  Couldn’t get out of bed the rest of the day.  Took a shower late afternoon, got so tired, fell into bed shaking. Today, still extremely tired, sweaty, brain fuzz, plus whatever I mentioned below.  Feels like how people describe the flu I guess. I’m glad to hear it passed quickly for you.  I’m very sensitive to meds and I’m so sick of feeling sick!  I really am. Thanks again.  Hope I’m making sense Jen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >As far as I know, Celebrex doesn’t cause dependency (it’s a COX-2 >inhibitor). One week on Ultram 3 tab a day sounds too short of cause >dependency too. >However I know that Ultram can cause some very weird reactions if you stop >it suddenly. I became allergic to it suddenly after taking it for a couple >of weeks and when I stopped it abruptly because of it, I had uncommanded >limb movements which was quite scary, then lost memory for the rest of the >night. It only lasted a day, but it was very unpleasant. According to my >husband, ER doctor said that he’d seen it many times in people suddenly >stopping Ultram (I don’t remember anything that happened in ER). I remember >reading that it’s supposedly due to it affecting the serotonin level, but I >might have got that wrong. I was really tired for about a week afterwards. > don’t see my first post yet but I forgot to mention this major > headache and nausea, bad stomach.  More probably.  Nauseous exhausted > jittery.  Did my first post come through? > Question was after a year and half on 400 mgs celebrex a day stop cold > turkey do you get withdrawal. > Or one week on Ultram 3 tabs a day, do you get withddrawal? > Feverish too. > Feels like drugs.

Response:

Sometmes we never make sense… Dont worry … Ronnie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks so much for the reply.  I was actually on Ultracet, not Ultram > – which shows where my head is – but I guess the acetominphen isn’t > the issue anyway. > I have absolutely terrible reactions to SSRIs so your story actually > sounds like me.  I think after my first dose yesterday (one week into > it) I felt my body just reject the stuff – too much med.  I stopped it > (Ultracet).  Couldn’t get out of bed the rest of the day.  Took a > shower late afternoon, got so tired, fell into bed shaking. > Today, still extremely tired, sweaty, brain fuzz, plus whatever I > mentioned below.  Feels like how people describe the flu I guess. > I’m glad to hear it passed quickly for you.  I’m very sensitive to > meds and I’m so sick of feeling sick!  I really am. > Thanks again.  Hope I’m making sense > Jen >As far as I know, Celebrex doesn’t cause dependency (it’s a COX-2 >inhibitor). One week on Ultram 3 tab a day sounds too short of cause >dependency too. >However I know that Ultram can cause some very weird reactions if you stop >it suddenly. I became allergic to it suddenly after taking it for a couple >of weeks and when I stopped it abruptly because of it, I had uncommanded >limb movements which was quite scary, then lost memory for the rest of the >night. It only lasted a day, but it was very unpleasant. According to my >husband, ER doctor said that he’d seen it many times in people suddenly >stopping Ultram (I don’t remember anything that happened in ER). I remember >reading that it’s supposedly due to it affecting the serotonin level, but I >might have got that wrong. I was really tired for about a week afterwards. >> don’t see my first post yet but I forgot to mention this major >> headache and nausea, bad stomach.  More probably.  Nauseous exhausted >> jittery.  Did my first post come through? >> Question was after a year and half on 400 mgs celebrex a day stop cold >> turkey do you get withdrawal. >> Or one week on Ultram 3 tabs a day, do you get withddrawal? >> Feverish too. >> Feels like drugs.

Response:

Jen, I react badly to quite a few meds (including SSRIs) myself, so I can sympathize! I hope you’ll be feeling better very soon. (By the way, I hope you don’t have a flu as well as a reaction to meds!) Jay

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks so much for the reply.  I was actually on Ultracet, not Ultram > – which shows where my head is – but I guess the acetominphen isn’t > the issue anyway. > I have absolutely terrible reactions to SSRIs so your story actually > sounds like me.  I think after my first dose yesterday (one week into > it) I felt my body just reject the stuff – too much med.  I stopped it > (Ultracet).  Couldn’t get out of bed the rest of the day.  Took a > shower late afternoon, got so tired, fell into bed shaking. > Today, still extremely tired, sweaty, brain fuzz, plus whatever I > mentioned below.  Feels like how people describe the flu I guess. > I’m glad to hear it passed quickly for you.  I’m very sensitive to > meds and I’m so sick of feeling sick!  I really am. > Thanks again.  Hope I’m making sense > Jen

Response:

how long ago did you stop the SSRIs? They can have some pretty aggresive withdrawals and it may take a while to get through them… – Ъ

Question:

hi andy, its worth getting it checked out – they usually say you should be monitored closely if taking an ssri if you get manic…. i havent come across this myself but i know ssri’s can cause sleep disturbances, usually difficulty sleeping… one question – when do you take the Zispin? if you’re taking it at night, maybe try taking it in the morning – i was told to take my ssri (zoloft) in the morning because it tends to be stimulant and can cause difficulty sleeping. i found myself having very surreal dreams while taking valproate – but thats a mood stabiliser so it functions in a different way. best to get it checked by your pdoc. good luck m > NEW TO THE GROUP..Zispin has been the first anti-depressant (of > many)to have had more positive than negative effects on me. However, i > have noticed lately (been on 30mg for 9 months) i have been wakening > thro the night during "out of bed experiences". eg searching thro > wardropes/drawers looking for, i dont know what. > I was wondering if anybody else has had similar on this drug or is it > a sign of impending mania???  I dont take prophylactics like lithium > as im extremely sensitive to medications but have been moderately > depressed for almost three years now (since my last "high").   Thanks > in advance for any feedback. >  sorry but im new to this computer interface stuff

–  

Question:

I have a hypomanic reaction to SSRIs. Is there anything out there that doesn’t lead to hypomania in those of us that are prone toward it? Louise

Response:

> I have a hypomanic reaction to SSRIs. > Is there anything out there that doesn’t lead to hypomania in those of > us that are prone toward it? > Louise

I have the same problem with SSRI and tried Serzone (no hypomanic reaction but made me sleep all the time) and Manerix (moclobemide), a good antidepressant with very little side effects that is not available in the US. alias.p

Response:

> I have a hypomanic reaction to SSRIs. > Is there anything out there that doesn’t lead to hypomania in those of > us that are prone toward it? > Louise

I understand that the new direction of anti-depressants, after patents expire soon such as on prozac, will actually be a backwards direction, towards tricyclics. You might explore those, and also consider that wellburtin (is supposed to) effects dopamine rather than seratonin. I believe wellbutrin is more commonly prescribed to patients who might experience (hypo)mania. You also need to discuss these things with your doctor.

Response:

That’s odd since Wellbutrin is definitely one of the speediest of current ADs, often causing insomnia in fact.

Response:

> That’s odd since Wellbutrin is definitely one of the speediest of current ADs, > often causing insomnia in fact.

What’s even more odd, is that neurontin is used as a mood stabilizer, yet causes almost immediate hypomania. They might use it as an anti depressant now, I’m not sure.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a hypomanic reaction to SSRIs. > Is there anything out there that doesn’t lead to hypomania in those of > us that are prone toward it? > Louise > I understand that the new direction of anti-depressants, after patents > expire soon such as on prozac, will actually be a backwards direction, > towards tricyclics. You might explore those, and also consider that > wellburtin (is supposed to) effects dopamine rather than seratonin. I > believe wellbutrin is more commonly prescribed to patients who might > experience (hypo)mania. > You also need to discuss these things with your doctor.

I took Wellbutrin a while ago and was so-o-o-o irritable I couldn’t stand myself! Louise

Response:

Question:

> My son used to take Celexa and I believe he took it in the morning.  It > couldn’t hurt for you to try for a few days and see what happens.  I always > take my prozac in the morning, but then the pdoc recommends that as well.

i take an SSRI too, sertraline (Zoloft)… i was told to take it in the morning because SSRIs have a mild stimulant effect and can cause sleep disturbance if you take them at night… what matters i think is that you take them at the same time each day, regardless of when… hugs m — ~~~~~~>><:>~~~~~~ iriXx " you can try the best you can    you can try the best you can …the best you can is good enough" radiohead: optomistic

Response:

hi there.. Here is my current med regime – my question follows: Morning: 37.5 mg Effexor  <— am being weaned off this, won’t take it next week              900 mg Gabapentin Evening:  50 mg. Celexa              1200 mg. Gabapentin Okay you Celexa folks, do you take your Celexa in the morning on in the evening? I am starting to think it may not be the best med for me to take at night as I am not sleeping well. I get 3-4 hours very light sleep if I don’t take a sleep med, or 5 – 6 hours of a deeper sleep if I give in and take 7.5 mg. Imovane (Canadian non-benzodiazepine sleep med). Gabapentin folks – do you think it is the Gabapentin keeping me on such a light sleep regime? thanks so much everyone, Compucat  >^+^<

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hi there.. > Here is my current med regime – my question follows: > Morning: 37.5 mg Effexor  <— am being weaned off this, won’t take it next > week >              900 mg Gabapentin > Evening:  50 mg. Celexa >              1200 mg. Gabapentin > Okay you Celexa folks, do you take your Celexa in the morning on in the > evening? I am starting to think it may not be the best med for me to take at > night as I am not sleeping well. I get 3-4 hours very light sleep if I don’t > take a sleep med, or 5 – 6 hours of a deeper sleep if I give in and take 7.5 > mg. Imovane (Canadian non-benzodiazepine sleep med).

My son used to take Celexa and I believe he took it in the morning.  It couldn’t hurt for you to try for a few days and see what happens.  I always take my prozac in the morning, but then the pdoc recommends that as well. > Gabapentin folks – do you think it is the Gabapentin keeping me on such a > light sleep regime?

Fo me I am having a lot of trouble with neurontin (gabapentin) making me sleepy.  I take a larger dose of it at bedtime and it usually helps me to sleep better.  But then that just shows how different we all are with the same meds. I hope your sleep gets better soon Compucat. Bonnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> thanks so much everyone, > Compucat  >^+^<

Response:

Question:

> Take deep breaths…maybe a hot bath.  This too shall pass.  It is > only temporary.  It can…and it will…get better. > –bethster

thats a really good suggestion, there are many natural things that you can try that can help relieve your anxiety too… try adding a few drops of lavender oil into your bath… it has relaxing properties, also helps you to sleep… chamomile tea is very good for anxiety… i also do relaxation exercises, very simple ones, starting with my feet, i slowly clench one muscle at a time and relax it, and work my way up to my head… while im doing this i just take nice relaxed deep breaths… the effort of concentrating on doing this can be enough to distract you for a while too, and it feels like you’re giving your whole body a massage which is rather nice ))) distraction is very useful for anxiety and panic, if you feel able to try reading a book, or phoning a friend for a chat, things that occupy your mind help you to stop thinking about the feelings you’re getting… which can make you worry all the more, and round it goes… you can stop it in its tracks sometimes just simply by distracting yourself with something nice… i know some more specific techniques if you’re having worries about particular things or events rather than general feelings of anxiety and panic… they’re a bit more involved though. take care and let us know how you are doing m — ~~~~~>><:>~~~~~ iriXx version: 3.12 GMU/FA/O/U/AT d? s-:+ a C++++$ UL>++++$ UI>+++ P+ L+++ E W+++$ N* o- K- w– O- M+$ V– PS+++ PE— Y++ PGP(++) t- 5? X? R !tv b+++ DI(+) D? G+ e+++(++++) h* r++ x? UF+++

Response:

>I am doing bad now. Real bad. I cry, panic, just plain need to get away from >myself. It is bad. I cry & cry, I am so tired, yet am having problems sleeping. >I have been off meds for 4 months, and the last med I was perscribed was >prozac. I am too afraid to take it, and I cannot waite for a med to kick in. >What can I do? Please, suggest something. Also, i heard prozac makes you more >anxious at first couple days.

It sounds like you need to go back on meds.  You might need to try something else besides prozac, but you ought to at least try whatever prozac you have left and make an appointment to see a psychiatrist as soon as you can.  The doctor can prescribe clonazepam, xanax, or numerous other drugs to help with anxiety.

Response:

(((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))) it does sound like you’re having a very tough time hon, i would say, please do visit your family doctor or p-doc as soon as you can, im sure they can give you some relief that will help straight away.. i was in a similiar situation 4 years ago and was prescribed 2 meds, one to relieve the panic straight away (and it was non-addictive too) and am antidepressant as a longer-term solution. there are many different types of meds, do explain to your doc the troubles that you had with prozac, because docs do understand that people react differently to different meds. i am taking Zoloft (sertraline, known as Lustral in the UK) which has helped me a lot with anxiety as well as depression, it has a calming effect on me. Zoloft is an SSRI antidepressant, like prozac, but doesnt have the tension side effects, there are many alternatives that your doctor would be able to suggest. i do hope that you can get some relief soon, we are here if you feel you want to write more or just let out how you’re feeling take care m > I am doing bad now. Real bad. I cry, panic, just plain need to get away from > myself. It is bad. I cry & cry, I am so tired, yet am having problems sleeping. > I have been off meds for 4 months, and the last med I was perscribed was > prozac. I am too afraid to take it, and I cannot waite for a med to kick in. > What can I do? Please, suggest something. Also, i heard prozac makes you more > anxious at first couple days.

– ~~~~~>><:>~~~~~ iriXx version: 3.12 GMU/FA/O/U/AT d? s-:+ a C++++$ UL>++++$ UI>+++ P+ L+++ E W+++$ N* o- K- w– O- M+$ V– PS+++ PE— Y++ PGP(++) t- 5? X? R !tv b+++ DI(+) D? G+ e+++(++++) h* r++ x? UF+++

Response:

> I am doing bad now. Real bad. I cry, panic, just plain need to get away from > myself. It is bad. I cry & cry, I am so tired, yet am having problems sleeping. > I have been off meds for 4 months, and the last med I was perscribed was > prozac. I am too afraid to take it, and I cannot waite for a med to kick in. > What can I do? Please, suggest something. Also, i heard prozac makes you more > anxious at first couple days.

Is there some place local that you can get a hold of? Like you I haven’t had any meds for about two months now, and my pdoc retired. Last week was bad, and I got hold of a centre here that deals with people in trouble like ours. I didn’t consider myself an emergency case, so I met an assessment person, and have an appointment with another pdoc shortly. I could have been dealt with immediately. Maybe even emerge would work for you if desparate. Sorry I can’t be more help than this. jodelli

Response:

Hello Marypoohbear, Things can get very frightening at times can’t they?  I have trouble with panic attacks and that is even with meds so I know you must be really miserable.  Is there anyone there with you tonight?  Is there someone there you know and trust that you can talk to just to get some of your feelings out?  Or maybe a friend you can call and talk to?  Sometimes it helps a little to talk about all that is bothering you so at least you can get your feelings out.  I find that when I hold my feelings in that they grow and become more painful.  If there is no one there you can talk to then maybe there is some kind of a crisis line you can call? Tomorrow can you call and set up an appointment with your doc or pdoc so you can see about getting back on meds?  If you feel this badly then you would probably benefit from getting whatever kind of help you could get.  In the meantime if you feel too badly tonight please do not hesitate to go to the emergency room and explain how you are and have been feeling.  They should be able to help you for now and maybe even  help you to get in to see a pdoc sooner than if you just called to set up an appointment. Whatever you do, you know you can always write your feelings here and you will find others that are understanding of them.  I have done that many times before and I have always found others that knew what I was talking about and were very understanding of my feelings. I hope you feel better soon and you are able to get some help, Hugs, Bonnie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am doing bad now. Real bad. I cry, panic, just plain need to get away from > myself. It is bad. I cry & cry, I am so tired, yet am having problems sleeping. > I have been off meds for 4 months, and the last med I was perscribed was > prozac. I am too afraid to take it, and I cannot waite for a med to kick in. > What can I do? Please, suggest something. Also, i heard prozac makes you more > anxious at first couple days.

Response:

Hi Marypoohbear,     I’m sorry that you are in such a sad state of mind.  If you are frightened and feeling alone please try to get help.  Talk to your pdoc for example; or if you feel the situation has reach a urgent level, go to the emergency ward.     What ever you decide, please know that people are thinking about you and you are not completely alone.  I wish you the best. Peter

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I am doing bad now. Real bad. I cry, panic, just plain need to get away from > myself. It is bad. I cry & cry, I am so tired, yet am having problems sleeping. > I have been off meds for 4 months, and the last med I was perscribed was > prozac. I am too afraid to take it, and I cannot waite for a med to kick in. > What can I do? Please, suggest something. Also, i heard prozac makes you more > anxious at first couple days.

Response:

I am doing bad now. Real bad. I cry, panic, just plain need to get away from myself. It is bad. I cry & cry, I am so tired, yet am having problems sleeping. I have been off meds for 4 months, and the last med I was perscribed was prozac. I am too afraid to take it, and I cannot waite for a med to kick in. What can I do? Please, suggest something. Also, i heard prozac makes you more anxious at first couple days.

Response:

Question:

I had been on Zoloft to treat depression for a long time, many years. However, it interfered with my sleep.  I couldn’t sleep, actually.  So I told my doctor I was going to gradually reduce the dosage & stop taking it to see what happened.  Well, I have been very depressed lately & yesterday I had a panic attack at work.  Today I went back to the doctor & asked if there were any other drugs I could take that wouldn’t interfere with my sleep as much & they gave me Celexa.  Where can I find information about this drug?  Has anyone here taken it & did it make you wide awake in the middle of the night?  Thanks. Kim Miller Bow-Wow: http://members.tripod.com/allaboutdogs/ Christmas Dreams: http://members.tripod.com/joyfulchristmas/ Surf Minnesota: http://www.surfminnesota.net/ Personal Homepage: http://members.tripod.com/dreamspinner3/ ICQ: 48547727

Response:

Hello Kim. About 18 months ago I was on Celexa. I think out of all the SSRI’s I have tried, and they all make me manic, I slept the best on Celexa. You may be tired for a week or so when first taking it or increasing the dosage, but sleep for me and overall wakefulness was the best with Celexa. Right now I’m on Paxil 20 mg. from 30 mg. Mania is a horrible feeling,although productive but irritable and restless. Also on Paxil 30 mg. I lost my pleasure in a lot of things. People say they lose interest in sex or sustaining a relationship but for me I lost interest in everything but sex. I am just starting to feel like I’m getting back to the things I love, and that’s an anti-depressant in itself. Hope all goes well for you Philip

Response:

> I had been on Zoloft to treat depression for a long time, many years. > However, it interfered with my sleep.  I couldn’t sleep, actually.  So > I told my doctor I was going to gradually reduce the dosage & stop > taking it to see what happened.  Well, I have been very depressed > lately & yesterday I had a panic attack at work.  Today I went back to > the doctor & asked if there were any other drugs I could take that > wouldn’t interfere with my sleep as much & they gave me Celexa.  Where > can I find information about this drug?  Has anyone here taken it & > did it make you wide awake in the middle of the night?  Thanks.

I was on Celexa, and it made me drowsy, so I took it at night because I have insomnia. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

<snip> >wouldn’t interfere with my sleep as much & they gave me Celexa.  Where >can I find information about this drug?  Has anyone here taken it & >did it make you wide awake in the middle of the night?  Thanks. >Kim Miller

Hi Kim, I’ve been on Celexa for about 2 years now and find that it’s an excellent anti-depressent.  I have no trouble sleeping on it, though it does give me really vivid dreams that sometimes wake me up 3 or 4 times in a night, but I have no trouble getting back to sleep. Cheers, Peter.

Response:

Thanks everyone.  I am not doing so good right now & it is nice to find a supportive group like this.

Response:

Yes, Zoloft seemed to help me for a long time except for the sleeping problem.  Thanks for the info.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It appears from your post,  that Zoloft helped you for > many years except for your one problem with insomnia.. > The  idea of  trying Celexa does not seem like a bad > idea.   But no way to tell ahead of time where this > will all end up. > For your situation as described in your post,  where > you were able to take  Zoloft for many years the idea > of trying Celexa as suggested by the Doctor could turn > out OK due to the reduced side effects of the drug. But > no way to know.  If it doesn’t work, you might want to > consider going back to your "old faithful" Zoloft, and > then solve the insomnia problem some other way. > Good luck in your efforts.

Response:

I meant to say I got a prescription for it.  My sister is on it too & so far, she has no trouble sleeping but has tremors.  I don’t know how long she’s been on it, she said not too long.  My doctor listens to me too & if a drug is not helping me, I will speak up.  If a doctor doesn’t listen to me the first time, they will the second time or I’ll find one who will. >BTW  Meant to ask what you meant when you said the >doctor "gave you" Celexa. Did that mean a "free" >sample?. Or did it mean a prescription.? . Was not >aware that  Celexa has free samples so your information >could be of help on that point. >Have been wondering how come it is not prescribed more. >Whether that could be because Celexa is not a US drug, >or because it is not advertised here like the others on >television,   or whether on not the free sample >situation  might be a factor.

Kim Miller Bow-Wow: http://members.tripod.com/allaboutdogs/ Christmas Dreams: http://members.tripod.com/joyfulchristmas/ Surf Minnesota: http://www.surfminnesota.net/ Personal Homepage: http://members.tripod.com/dreamspinner3/ ICQ: 48547727

Response:

Yes, my doctor had a 7 day package. I guess the pharmaceutical company is on a hot marketing campaign for Celexa.  I am certain that it works well for other people.  My sleep wasn’t disturbed and I am listening to what Zoloft is doing to sleep patterns for others. I haven’t started the Effexor yet. Planning on doing that next Thursday.  Just needed to chill a little more after the Celexa experience. I am so pleased that this doctor listens to me. I would bolt and hide in this deep, dark hole for a while.  Not a pleasant thought, but I insist on having some control over what happens to my brain! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Yes, Zoloft seemed to help me for a long time except for the sleeping >problem.  Thanks for the info. >There has been quite a bit of discussion lately on >Celexa and I felt that one of the things being missed >in this and  other threads,  was the superior side >effects of Celexa. >Though Celexa does have side effects and those side >effects can still be sufficient to be bad news for some >people.   >Sort of  3 situations. >Situation 1 >You like the SSRIs, they help you, get along with >things like Zoloft, and are likely to get along with >something like Celexa "too". >For you the tradeoff is if you stay on Zoloft, you have >a "sure winner:"    However,  you have already decided >that you would like to be off of Zoloft and would like >to try something else. Maybe already off it  in part. >And  have a doctor working with you ,  recommending >Celexa. >There is a  reasonable chance of having Celexa at least >working for the depression , and maybe better for you >due to lower side effects as compared to your Zoloft. >But the entire thing is like a gamble.  Might get >something better, might screw it up. >The important thing is that it should be  "your >decision" based on whatever information you can find >including what the doctor recommends.   >We  can all hope  your new try at  "Celexa" works for >you. >—– >Situation 2 >Another  thread  about Celex , where Marilyn has a >number of really awful side effects.  Both on a prior >attempt at Zoloft, and on a recent excursion into >Celexa.  In that situation she is fortunate to have a >doctor that "listens" to her    In the situation 2 >thread , she and her doctor are about to try Effexor >We can all hope that in her case "getting rid’ of the >Celexa works for her. >Situation 3 >A situation where dictator doctors try to get people to >use Celexa (or Paxil or Zoloft or other SSRIs) , for >"life" .   In spite of some very bad side effects.  And >bad enough to disrupt some  functionally of living. >And bad enough for "some"  people to want to some extra >relapse risk.     >It is too bad, because the "dictator" type of   doctors >end up in a situation of  de facto declaration of >"war",  on their own  patients.  And thereby end up >depriving them of even the medial care they might have >obtained ,  if they did not take the  "order" the >patient to do this or that  approach. >—- >So seems like it is: >Full speed ahead for you on Celexa,  and your possible >new magic bullet. With the doctors help.   And full >speed ahead on "getting rid" of Celexa for Marilyn. >And on to hopes of Effexor as her possible magic >bullet. . With her  doctor’s help.  And for  those few >(hopefully very few), situation 3 people,  it is full >speed ahead getting rid of Celexa – or equivalents. >In some case with the doctor’s help. In some others >without the doctor’s help. >BTW  Meant to ask what you meant when you said the >doctor "gave you" Celexa. Did that mean a "free" >sample?. Or did it mean a prescription.? . Was not >aware that  Celexa has free samples so your information >could be of help on that point. >Have been wondering how come it is not prescribed more. >Whether that could be because Celexa is not a US drug, >or because it is not advertised here like the others on >television,   or whether on not the free sample >situation  might be a factor. >>It appears from your post,  that Zoloft helped you for >>many years except for your one problem with insomnia.. >>The  idea of  trying Celexa does not seem like a bad >>idea.   But no way to tell ahead of time where this >>will all end up. >>For your situation as described in your post,  where >>you were able to take  Zoloft for many years the idea >>of trying Celexa as suggested by the Doctor could turn >>out OK due to the reduced side effects of the drug. But >>no way to know.  If it doesn’t work, you might want to >>consider going back to your "old faithful" Zoloft, and >>then solve the insomnia problem some other way. >>Good luck in your efforts.

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Question:

Does anyone know of / have any experience with drugs that suppress REM sleep? I know I fall into the category of those depressed who benefit from sleep deprivation. Sleeping less usually guarantees a happier, more centered and energetic mood the next day for me. I understand from the last time I poked around in medline that it’s the reduction in REM sleep that is thought to be therapeutic, and not necessarily sleep as a whole. I’ve gone through various SSRI’s (now on sertraline) and they didn’t have a noticeable difference on my mood. If anything they made me more lethargic. I’ve tried changing my sleeping patterns but the problem is that when waking up at the hour I want to it just seems insurmountable to get out of bed. I end up laying there and then waking up 4 hours later, feeling drained. Things that screw with sleeping patterns (i.e. alcohol) typically have a positive benefit on my mood the day after. Sleeping more usually leaves me feeling worse. If anyone can offer any help, insight or experience, I’d appreciate it. Thanks.

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I’m taking 40mgs daily of Paxil, which made me very sleepy, so I started to take Mirapex, a Parkinson’s drug that is only being used recently to treat depression. I started on .25 mgs daily, went up to .5, then .75, then 1. The more I took, the more it lessened the effect of Paxil, but the more energy I had. When I hit .75 and 1 mgs a day, I was sleeping about 4 hours a night and was less tired, but my anxiety came back. I also had nightmares. I took Wellbutrin SR for a week, and I was sleeping 6 hours a night and had more energy. KC

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Help > By this ilness: > – unhappy > – no interestings > – no energie > – can not weep, not laugh > – no human worm > – I will not talk > – I hurt the time death > – Isolation > – always fear > – shame > – I feel a knot in my chest. > – > here blocks my feelings > – I sleep bad > – I must often scrape into my nose > – > then I take many slime from here > – no emotions > Treatment before: >

Question:

This is my medical history: back in 1994 to 1996, I was on and off Prozac three times. The first time was because I’d been depressed for a long time, from age 16 to about 25. It worked great, it really turned me around. The second and third time was to help me get through stressful situations I was in. It helped those times too, just not as quickly or as noticeably as the first. I was med-free for 1997, 1998, and 1999 and was doing OK. In May 2000 I crashed. It was anxiety more than depression though. I tried Prozac for the fourth time and it didn’t seem to help. During a brief hospital stay I switched to Effexor, and it helped alleviate the depression, but made me sleepy. My psychiatrist added Wellbutrin last winter, and I didn’t feel cured, but I was functioning OK. The Effexor was still making me sleepy, so I replaced it with Celexa. First 20mg/day, now 30mg/day. I’d been on Celexa for 11 weeks now along with 100mg/day wellbutrin. My depresion has gotten worse over the last few weeks. I use Clonazepam a few times a week when the anxiety gets rough, which seems to be getting worse. I’m anxious all the time, I feel kind of out of breath, I feel my heart pounding sometimes, I sleep a lot, feel sad, and cry more often. My psychiatrist doubts that Celexa is making me more depressed, but I’m not so sure. I’m looking for a little advice here. Should I withdraw from Celexa and Wellbutrin and cleanse my system and start over somehow? I really miss how Prozac helped me the first three times, and maybe I could go back to it, but I’m afraid my system has become immune to it somehow. Why isn’t the celexa helping at all? Should I try another SSRI or am I now immune to all SSRIs? Dammit dammit dammit I hate this. What should I do? Michael.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > This is my medical history: back in 1994 to 1996, I was on and off Prozac > three times. The first time was because I’d been depressed for a long time, > from age 16 to about 25. It worked great, it really turned me around. The > second and third time was to help me get through stressful situations I was > in. It helped those times too, just not as quickly or as noticeably as the > first. > I was med-free for 1997, 1998, and 1999 and was doing OK. > In May 2000 I crashed. It was anxiety more than depression though. I tried > Prozac for the fourth time and it didn’t seem to help. During a brief > hospital stay I switched to Effexor, and it helped alleviate the depression, > but made me sleepy. My psychiatrist added Wellbutrin last winter, and I > didn’t feel cured, but I was functioning OK. > The Effexor was still making me sleepy, so I replaced it with Celexa. First > 20mg/day, now 30mg/day. I’d been on Celexa for 11 weeks now along with > 100mg/day wellbutrin. My depresion has gotten worse over the last few weeks. > I use Clonazepam a few times a week when the anxiety gets rough, which seems > to be getting worse. > I’m anxious all the time, I feel kind of out of breath, I feel my heart > pounding sometimes, I sleep a lot, feel sad, and cry more often. My > psychiatrist doubts that Celexa is making me more depressed, but I’m not so > sure. > I’m looking for a little advice here. Should I withdraw from Celexa and > Wellbutrin and cleanse my system and start over somehow? I really miss how > Prozac helped me the first three times, and maybe I could go back to it, but > I’m afraid my system has become immune to it somehow. Why isn’t the celexa > helping at all? Should I try another SSRI or am I now immune to all SSRIs? > Dammit dammit dammit I hate this. What should I do? > Michael.

Hi Michael,  I’ve been on Prozac 4 different times, always coming back to it because it seemed to work the best. The way my pdoc explained it was that my brain became "bored" with the Prozac, and it didn’t work. It seem to give me a different "feel" each time I took it.  I’m not offering this as medical advice, only what *I* would do in your situation. Since the Celexa isn’t working after this long and the dose of Wellbutrin isn’t terribly high, I’d get an appointment ASAP and request another med, something "like prozac" (another SSRI like Zoloft or Paxil). When Prozac petered out on me, I started Wellbutrin and Zoloft, and feel excellant. I think it’s more or less trial and error, but don’t wait too long, your Celexa should have kicked in by now. I don’t know if your immune to SSRI’s, but Prozac died on me, and another worked fine. I’ve had many anti-depressants that may have well just been sugar pills because they did nothing, so don’t feel it’s just you. Good Luck, Dave —

Question:

My pdoc just started me on provigil for boost of energy to help me not sleep 24/7 like usual.  I did a google search on it, and saw a couple posts about an interaction between it and my current ssri celexa. One post said that they are both metabolized by the same pathway (2c19?) which causes an interaction. Another post said that in clinical trials, those also on celexa did not benefit from the provigil like those on other ssris did. Anyone know if this could be true?

Response:

I took Provigil for a year whilst on Prozac 40mg.  No interaction to speak of–although my liver enzymes became a bit elevated–check yours after being on it for some months. It worked all right for me–but its antisleepiness effects didn’t last very long ( about three hours).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My pdoc just started me on provigil for boost of energy to help me not > sleep 24/7 like usual.  I did a google search on it, and saw a couple > posts about an interaction between it and my current ssri celexa. One > post said that they are both metabolized by the same pathway (2c19?) > which causes an interaction. Another post said that in clinical trials, > those also on celexa did not benefit from the provigil like those on > other ssris did. Anyone know if this could be true?

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