Okay no I just have to figure out the half life I was on the medication for 2 and a half weeks. I have been off of it for a week and 6 days. My ears are still ringing and I still get a little bit of the shakes. So maybe the medication has to work its way out of my system. Yes the thoughts I got on this medication scared the heck out of me and I find them very hard to let go. Ive been doing thought replacement and it helps a little. But thanks again and I will keep you updated
Am glad to hear you'll be calling your therapist. It may be possible these side effects could last two weeks past your last dose of Celexa. I'm not a pharmacist so can't tell you for sure. That gets all involved with the half-life of the meds and your therapist can explain that to you. (Just to let you know, the half-life of Celexa is 35 hours! That's a long time) The fact that you are totally aware the thoughts are not normal and make no sense is an excellent sign that TO ME would indicate either all of the medication is not out of your system yet or the experience spooked you so badly that you're perhaps having some difficulty turning them off. What do I know.............just thoughts. See your therapist for real answers.
(If you want to figure out the possibility of where you at in the half-life cycle, I wrote a response a few days ago to a gal asking "What does half-life mean. You might want to read that post)
Keep us posted. I'm sure you'll be fne!
Peace
Greenlyida
I'll look for that post and send you the link.
I will Im goin to call my therapist today. I am not on any other medication now. Just maybe a klonopin as needed. Yes I had to stop taking the medication because on the medication my thoughts were way worse than this and what is the most distressing part is I know the thoughts make no sense. Thank you for the support and I will keep everyone updated
In your original post you made no mention of having been on citalopram. Before we get any further into this, are you on any other meds?
A few of the side effects of Celexa are abnormal dreams, halluciantions and delusions. I would discuss with my therapist if it's possible these intrusive thoughts of aliens could have been connected to your use of this medication. That you apparently did a good bit of reading about aliens taking over people's minds and thoughts on the Net could have gotten incorporated into your thinking.
That you have been off the Celexa for two weeks now and are still experiencing this type of thinking would have me in another therapy session ASAP.
Please let us know how you're doing, OK?
Peace
Greenlydia
Well that is a good sign, the fact you are practising techniques to get rid of these irrational thoughts and its helping a little bit. Once you get used to it you will be able to control what you think, and when unwanted thoughts come in you will not allow yourself to think them.
I definately think CBT would be good for you if you see your therapist again
I saw her yesterday for the first time. My thoughts got really weird when I was on citlopram and I have not been able to shake the thoughts ever since. Ive been off of citlopram for two weeks now and Im still having the effects. This all started 2 months ago as just anxiety and now it has escalated to all these weird thoughts. I hvae tried to change my thinking patterns it has worked some what so far but I have only been practicing for a day now along with breathing techniques.
Maybe you could discuss Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a treatment? Its the process in which the therapist trys to show you your thoughts are irrational and change your thinking patterns. It may help in your case.
It sounds like you are a very paranoid person. It's good that you understand these thoughts aren't true, I don't think it is something seriouse to do with your mental health. Its probably a combo of what you've read and your anxiety.
You need to reassure yourself after you get these thoughts that they are irrational - they don't make sense and you know they are coming from no where. Keep reminding yourself of this. When you start to get a thought like that, imagine a black hole in your head and force the thought in the hole. Lock it away. Stop yourself from thinking it by occupying your mind with something else and keeping busy. You need to convince yourself that these thoughts aren't true. It's just an anxious response to what you've read and its pretty normal in my opinion.
Of course, this is just what I do when I get irrational thoughts, but if you are seeing a therapist you should tell them this next time you go so they can reassure you.
So your therapist said these intrusive thoughts were coming from anxiety/depression or both. OK. That makes far more sense than aliens. My question is: What is she DOING about it? SHE is the one who should be making sure your mental health doesn't get any worse.
When do you see her again?
Did she discuss antidepressants or antianxiety meds?
If you have been having these intrusive thoughts for 2 MONTHS, it's MY humble opinion and hope that she has some definite plan for you.
If not, I'd sure ask her why the heck not.
Peace
Greenlydia