How long does Celexa cause problems

[kbeck]

I was on Celexa for 3 years.  I tried going off several times but was not tapering as I should.  I finally made up my mind to taper off and stay off after Celexa caused me severe side affects such as anxiety, depression, nervousness.  I started tapering off in December 2003.  I took my last Celexa on March 28th, 2004.  I am experiencing a lot of sadness, loneliness, and basic depression.  I believe that anti-depressants caused this because I never experienced anything like this before going on them.  Could this be a "withdrawal" symptom even though I tapered off?  I pray it is because it is affecting my life every day.  I try to appear happy for my husband and my grandkids.  Some days are worse than others.  I even get "waves" of my old self back and feel okay maybe for a day or so.  Can an anti-depressant cause this when going off of it?  Does it take time for seratonin to return to normal after anti-depressants "controlled" it?  Please help.  It does no good to tell me to go to a psychiatrist - I won't go.  Why would I?  For them to prescribe more antidepressants?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You should not be having any effects from the medication withdrawa at this late date, sorry that is not what you have been hoping for. If you continue to have these symptoms you might want to talk to a non prescribing therapist; or you might want to take the smallest possible dose of Celexa to see how that works.

[KickedThePanic]

Well, to tell you the truth, most doctors would have you believe that these kind of meds are not addictive. This is simply NOT TRUE! The symptoms you describe are that of classic withdrawl syndrome. My advice would be to taper off perhaps 10mg at a time or just remove the smallest amount from you noraml dosage. Another option is for your doctor to put you on another drug to help you taper of the Celexa such as Risperdal or Nozinan. Also, you must help your body with this process. Get out of the house and get lots of exercise if you can. Don't isolate yourself! Find people to socialize with. These suggestions will help distact you while your body adjusts to the loss.

Good-Luck,

Jerry

[kbeck]

Thanks Jerry for the advice.  I too feel like they (anti-depressants) are addictive.  I have a lot of anxiety but seems to be getting better.  I've already done the tapering thing.  I am now off them for about 6 weeks.  I just feel this lingering sadness and also anxiety since I have been off.  I might add that I never once felt that way before I began taking anti-depressants.  I pray I will never again feel like I have to go on them.  Its hard for me as I have some major family problems with my children (who are adults actually) with drug/alcohol addiction.  So I seem to worry a lot.  But I will take your advice about getting out and socializing more.  I find myself holding up here at home when I'm not at work and dwelling on my family problems. Thanks for your advice.

[SMSIRL]

While there is a lot to be said about the negative effects of anti-depressives, with which I'd readily agree - when you say that you have "waves of my old self back and feel okay maybe for a day or so" this is typical of an ongoing problem that is best served by talking to a [non-prescibing] therapist. Indeed, I see that you have problems on your mind concerning children etc.

It is sometimes useful just listing :
the problems,
the things you can do [if any],
what you can't solve and others might be able to,
what can't be solved.
all the activities and friendships that have been squeezed out by the problems.

Then do what you can.
Seek help for those parts you can't solve.
And for that which can't be solved - ask what you have learned from this experience and can share with others - then share it or let it inform the way you deal with others. Reintroduce the activities and follow up on the friendships listed wherever possible.

In this way you know you've done your best, and you have made the best out of what was beyond anyones ability to solve.You will also have started to balance your life - this itself will help your problems.

You're in my thoughts

[TeeJo]

I'm having some weird physical problems that I'm beginning to wonder if they might be caused by the Celexa. Even tho' I kinda doubt it (cause they're not the usual side effects) to rule it out I'm getting off.

Problem is it really works for me! I'm bummed to have to get off, but my question is this -- how long do you have to taper before you can just quit? I've been tapering the last couple weeks. I'm down to a pretty low dose, so when do you just quit?

Anyone have suggestions?