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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Discontinuation of Celexa
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
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Discontinuation of Celexa
by lenny818, Sep 04, 2002 12:00AM
I have been on 20mg celexa for nearing 3 years and hve had very favorable results. My family practitioner and I have talked about cutting down the dose and discontinuing the drug out of concern for its effect on my liver functions. About a month ago, I halved the dose and about 2 weeks later, began experiencing some undesirable side effects such as increased irritability, noticable and inappropriate mood swings, and a generally more negative outlook on life. I'm not nearly as interested in pursuing goals that I have set for myself, and seem to be much more easily defeated by obstacles in my career and pursuit of higher education. As a result, I am considering moving back to the full dose after speaking with my physician.
I feel I have been moderately depressed most of my childhood and adulthood (I am now 33). The change in my overall personality was so positive when I began taking the medication that I feel there must be a chemical imbalance that the Celexa has been working to correct. Can this be possible? How can I find out if this is the case? And if so, what are my options as far as correcting this imbalance? Is Celexa something I can take long-term? What are the hazzards associated with taking any antidepressant on a long-term basis?
Lastly, should I be at all concerned with the long-held beliefs (and possibly nothing more than old wives tales)that antidepressants are simply a band-aid approach to depression? Is depression something that honestly goes away, like pregnancy-induced diabetes, or is it more along the lines of type I diabetes, where I would have to control this condition with medication for the rest of my life?
I'm beyond the fear of being on medication for the rest of my life, if this is the case. I just don't want to go back to being the unhappy person I was. Can you give some insight on my options at this point?
I feel I have been moderately depressed most of my childhood and adulthood (I am now 33). The change in my overall personality was so positive when I began taking the medication that I feel there must be a chemical imbalance that the Celexa has been working to correct. Can this be possible? How can I find out if this is the case? And if so, what are my options as far as correcting this imbalance? Is Celexa something I can take long-term? What are the hazzards associated with taking any antidepressant on a long-term basis?
Lastly, should I be at all concerned with the long-held beliefs (and possibly nothing more than old wives tales)that antidepressants are simply a band-aid approach to depression? Is depression something that honestly goes away, like pregnancy-induced diabetes, or is it more along the lines of type I diabetes, where I would have to control this condition with medication for the rest of my life?
I'm beyond the fear of being on medication for the rest of my life, if this is the case. I just don't want to go back to being the unhappy person I was. Can you give some insight on my options at this point?
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Sep 05, 2002 12:00AM
, Sep 05, 2002 12:00AM
You pose a very important question re long term use. There are two schools on the subject. One holds that there is a chemicial imbalance that needs to be corrected by continuous use of antidepressants. The main drawback being liver function decline which has to be monitored closely.
The other school, which I am part of, holds that antidepressants do change a chemical imbalance, but so does psychotherapy, a happy experience etc. Therefore you use antidepressants to give yourself some time to work out the problems confronting you, in your case not having as much motivation or discipline to do what you know you need to do to make your live move forward. That means you know what you need to do and have conflict about it. If you stick to half dose for a while and work out that conflict with a therapist or friend, you might be much better off.
If you want some online help with that, go to masteringstress.com.
The other school, which I am part of, holds that antidepressants do change a chemical imbalance, but so does psychotherapy, a happy experience etc. Therefore you use antidepressants to give yourself some time to work out the problems confronting you, in your case not having as much motivation or discipline to do what you know you need to do to make your live move forward. That means you know what you need to do and have conflict about it. If you stick to half dose for a while and work out that conflict with a therapist or friend, you might be much better off.
If you want some online help with that, go to masteringstress.com.
I recently tried going off Celexa to try and control my depression on my own. Within one month I was back to constant negative thinking, crying, sleeping, not wanting to leave the house and severe anxiety again. My doctor decided to have me try Welbutrin due the major weight gain I've experienced on the Celexa. And OH,MY, the Welbutrin was a very bad experience for me! Sleeping all the time, dazed and confused, very loud ringing in my ear and the list goes on...
I've been back on Celexa for a little over a week now and I'm already starting to feel like me again. I will stay on this drug for the rest of my life if I can. If it shortens my life than so be it. I will die a happy girl and that's what matters...Isn't it?
Thanks for listening,
Jill
was Celexa. I had severe sexual side effects. To the point of questioning my manhood. After trying several others, my DR. tried me on Wellbutrin SR. I have been on it for about 6 months now, and have noticed no side effects other than a dry mouth. My
sex drive is back to a normal level, and my depression is better than it was before taking Wellbutrin SR. Well, anyway, that's my opinion about Celexa. I hope it helps someone in any capacity.
Sincerely, victim of the 3 D's
For several days I couldn't identify the sensation I've been feeling, until I read the term "zapped" and the symptoms which followed. I immediately called my wife over and told her this is exactly what I'm experiencing. I've been off Effexor-XR for almost a week, and have been feeling these odd sensations throughout my body ... particularly when I stand up, or turn my head. Now I have a better understanding of what this is.
I will write more on my situation, and what lead to Effexor-XR (from Serzone), once I know this post went through. I believe the information on this site is great, and most helpful.
Thanks so much for being here.
Warm regards,
Dave