thisismyname Posted June 29, 2014 Posted June 29, 2014 I hope this is the right section. I took Celexa for 7 years, 40 mg since I was 15 years old.(21 now) I recently had problems with it and I had to quit. I made the mistake of quitting cold turkey. I still havent recovered from it. Im not trying to type out a sob story, but ever since I quit my life has gone down hill, everything is darker. I cant even remember when I stopped taking it, possibly mid may.(its been almost 2 months to a month and a half) I cant tell If what Im experiencing is withdraw or if Im feeling what I took the medicine for in the first place. Im scared that its too late to reinstate and taper, I read about how the longer you go without reinstating, the harder it is to reinstate. I also read that new side effects can come up, Ive read horrible stories about anti depressants and all of them scare the crap out of me, they arent candy. Im scared and I see reinstating as a game of russian roulette.(chance of acquiring a permanent and nasty effect) Im scared to death. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted June 29, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted June 29, 2014 Welcome thisismyname, I moved your post here to the introductions section, you can use this as your ongoing journal, adding to it as needed. I'm sorry you have been having such a difficult time since stopping Celexa, we never advise stopping medications without tapering and I would think what you are experiencing is withdrawal. What problems were you having with it? What symptoms are you having now? You wrote that your life has gone down hill, do you mean that the symptoms are getting worse? Its true that the longer you wait to reinstate, the less likely it is to work, but many people are successful at reinstatement after being off for up to 3 months, it can take a while to fully stabilize, but once that happens, then you can begin a safe taper, reducing by 10% per month. Please read though our reinstatement topic carefully, here: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/3079-about-reinstating-and-stabilizing-to-stop-withdrawal-symptoms/ If I were in your situation I would try and reinstate as soon as possible, either 5mg or 10mg, and see if it helped at all. Reinstatement will either work to eliminate withdrawal symptoms or it wont, but its not going to cause further damage. If, upon reinstatement, you very soon feel worse, most likely you are sensitized to the drug and need to take a smaller dosage or, possibly, none at all.There's no need to be scared, you will find a lot of friendly help and support here, I'm glad you found us. Petu. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes
thisismyname Posted July 1, 2014 Author Posted July 1, 2014 I suspect the problems I was having with it were from Omeprazole increasing blood levels of citalopram, and causing me to be spaced out and feel like I was just "Existing" but not living. It also gave me moderate ED and It still hasnt fully returned. I have to admit that quitting it C/T was a foolish, knee-jerk reaction. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20642546 here's more info about the interaction between omeprazole and citalopram. something to note is that it increases citalopram levels by 120% according to the study. I was on the maximum dosage already. I went through the typical withdraw symptoms when I went off C/T,(no brain zaps thankfully!!) Things like mood swings sadness, extreme fear, explosive anger and then guilt afterwards. Things calmed down after a month and things stabilized (sorta) but now its back for a second wave and while not as bad as the -initial- effects,my biggest problem has been the explosive anger, followed by guilt because of getting angry followed by depression. I have an appointment with my psychiatrist on the 7th, I'll get a 5mg reinstatement and try to stabilize. Its good to know that im not alone. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted July 1, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted July 1, 2014 I'm happy to hear that you are going to reinstate and taper slowly. Do you have any of your old prescription left? Its possible to taper by cutting tablets, here are our tips for tapering citalopram: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2023-tips-for-tapering-off-celexa-citalopram/ Are you still taking omeprazole? This should not be taken for longer than 14 days in a row, please see information here: http://www.drugs.com/omeprazole.html You are right, there is a major reaction with citalopram and it most likely was the cause of your increased side effects: http://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=679-0,1750-0 Do stay in touch and let us know how you are doing. Petu. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes
thisismyname Posted July 1, 2014 Author Posted July 1, 2014 I still have a few citalopram pills left, splitting them down to 5 mg is difficult since they're 40 mg pills. Im not taking omprazole anymore, I decided that the risks of taking it weren't worth the benefits. Thank you for the thread links, Ill read those. I just took what I think is 5mg Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 1, 2014 Administrator Posted July 1, 2014 Welcome, this. Please read the links Petu was so kind to give you, you can make a liquid from those tablets and make them last longer. Thank you for that excellent citation from PubMed. I will post it in the Journals forum. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
thisismyname Posted July 2, 2014 Author Posted July 2, 2014 After I took the 5mg of celexa yesterday, I felt Much better. For the first time In 2 months I felt "normal". Its amazing How just 5 mg was all it took, It looked so diminutive compared to the full 40! . Start up effects of the first day Drowsiness Strange, Repeating thoughts for the first few hours. Insomnia (long after Adderall xr 30 mg wore off) Lack of appetite (long after Adderall XR 30 mg wore off) Slightly increased anxiety of the panicky type. Today I took another 5 mg, I felt less Drowsy and the weird thoughts haven't happened. Anxiety is still there but less pronounced. I can't tell if the insomnia and lack of appetite is still there because adderall hasn't worn off yet. I'll come back with an update tomorrow. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Moderator Emeritus tezza Posted July 3, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted July 3, 2014 Hi and welcome! If you're willing to make a liquid with your Citalopram, it would be simple to get the dose you are trying for. You could use 40 mL of water for a 40 mg tablet, then take 5 mg or adjust as needed. Here is a link to help with that: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules/ http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1644-tezza-risperdal-withdrawal/ Seroquel and Mirtazipine
thisismyname Posted July 3, 2014 Author Posted July 3, 2014 Hi and welcome! If you're willing to make a liquid with your Citalopram, it would be simple to get the dose you are trying for. You could use 40 mL of water for a 40 mg tablet, then take 5 mg or adjust as needed. Here is a link to help with that: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/2693-how-to-make-a-liquid-from-tablets-or-capsules/ I wish I could have liquid citalopram, but Its mint flavored, one of my acid reflux triggers. :/ Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Moderator Emeritus tezza Posted July 3, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted July 3, 2014 It's very easy to make your own liquid with your tablets. I was anxious about making a liquid at first but found it was simple to do. I did that with mirtazipine and eventually got off in December but recently had to reinstate. You might want to consider trying that. You would be able to accurately measure your dose, as well as, reduce by tiny amounts. Wishing the best for you! http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1644-tezza-risperdal-withdrawal/ Seroquel and Mirtazipine
thisismyname Posted July 3, 2014 Author Posted July 3, 2014 I have a question(for anyone), can taking irregular doses when starting back up cause strange start up effects? Because I have no way to accurately measure the exact mg of what I clipped off.(40 mg tabs are kind of hard to cut since) Should I stop taking it for now and wait until the 7th when I get 5 mg tabs? or just keep taking what I -think- is 5 mg? Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Skylarblue75 Posted July 3, 2014 Posted July 3, 2014 Hi there, I totally feel your pain, it's terrible what your going through, if you read my signature you can see what I've been experiencing and battling for almost 2 years now. I wish you healing. Skylar Spring of 1998 place on birth control pills for irregular bleeding, high testosterone and one ovarian cyst, stayed on until April 2004, told to take hormone holiday, conceived first son 4 months later-VERY BIG SUPRISE, was told wouldn't be able to have childern or would need reproductive doctor to help. Got pregnant again 2006 with second son easily, then was on/off birthcontrol again until October 2011, concieved 3rd son in October 2011(tried many times to get pregant again when 2nd child was close to 2yrs, hormone problems started again after 2nd child, along with thyroid enlargement. Spring of 2001 celexa 10 mgs-rx'd by pcp for complaints of chronic fatigue, irritability and weight gain, stayed on until June 2005, switched to Lexapro 20mgs for PPD, stayed on Lexapro 6-7 months, couldn't afford to see psyh dr. and Lexapro, saw PCP switched back to 20mgs celexa in 2007, remained on until November 2011, was c/t off due to 3rd pregnancy, baby had umbilical cord defect, seemed ok during pregnancy, except for crying jags here and there. Our miracle baby was born July 20th 2012, healthy except with reflux. One month later the anxiety,restlessness,horrible crying, insomnia and the deepest depression ever. That started the psyh drug nightmare-benzo's,antidepressants, sleeping pills, mood stablizers. Nothing help made me worse, doctors just kept changing the meds frequently. 4 mental health hospitalizations, rapid detox off benzos Jan 2013, horrible withdrawal and still suffering withdrawal symptoms NO ONE BELIEVES ME, I feel like ive been on one consistant drug withdrawal for the past 2 years January 2014 slow titrate up of lexapro to 20 mgs-horrible side effects!!, was just rapidly taper by current pysh off to pursade me to try an MAOI-no way!!! Was told should consider ECT
thisismyname Posted July 3, 2014 Author Posted July 3, 2014 It's very easy to make your own liquid with your tablets. I was anxious about making a liquid at first but found it was simple to do. I did that with mirtazipine and eventually got off in December but recently had to reinstate. You might want to consider trying that. You would be able to accurately measure your dose, as well as, reduce by tiny amounts. Wishing the best for you! Ill look into that. *thumbs up* Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
thisismyname Posted July 3, 2014 Author Posted July 3, 2014 Hi there, I totally feel your pain, it's terrible what your going through, if you read my signature you can see what I've been experiencing and battling for almost 2 years now. I wish you healing. Skylar GOOD LUCK!! Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 4, 2014 Administrator Posted July 4, 2014 You should do everything you can to be consistent in your dosing. You may notice we've urged you to do this several times. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
thisismyname Posted July 4, 2014 Author Posted July 4, 2014 You should do everything you can to be consistent in your dosing. You may notice we've urged you to do this several times. I noticed, I just wondered if the reason Im having strange start up effects is because of inconsistent dosing. I understand that some reinstatement effects are inevitable because of the amount of time ive been off of it. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
thisismyname Posted July 4, 2014 Author Posted July 4, 2014 I took my third pill today 5mg celexa (reinstatement after 2 months c/t) and Im scared. I feel sedated, Im laughing at things that aren't funny, I swear to god it feels wierd. Im so scared, What if it gets worse? im delirious, my breathing is slowed. my thinking is labored. After reading all of the horrible stories on this website Im horrified of whats to come, What If I can never take it again? what if my reinstatment symptoms get worse? I need someone who has experience with this. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Skylarblue75 Posted July 4, 2014 Posted July 4, 2014 It sounds like your having start up side effects, from what I've read your body acts differently to the same drug when you try it again. This happened to me when I tried to reinstate celexa, even a low dose my body just couldn't tolerate it, not to say that you won't be ok. Hopefully someone with more knowledge than me will respond soon. I'm sorry your feeling so badly, I totally sympathize. Prayers and Hugs Spring of 1998 place on birth control pills for irregular bleeding, high testosterone and one ovarian cyst, stayed on until April 2004, told to take hormone holiday, conceived first son 4 months later-VERY BIG SUPRISE, was told wouldn't be able to have childern or would need reproductive doctor to help. Got pregnant again 2006 with second son easily, then was on/off birthcontrol again until October 2011, concieved 3rd son in October 2011(tried many times to get pregant again when 2nd child was close to 2yrs, hormone problems started again after 2nd child, along with thyroid enlargement. Spring of 2001 celexa 10 mgs-rx'd by pcp for complaints of chronic fatigue, irritability and weight gain, stayed on until June 2005, switched to Lexapro 20mgs for PPD, stayed on Lexapro 6-7 months, couldn't afford to see psyh dr. and Lexapro, saw PCP switched back to 20mgs celexa in 2007, remained on until November 2011, was c/t off due to 3rd pregnancy, baby had umbilical cord defect, seemed ok during pregnancy, except for crying jags here and there. Our miracle baby was born July 20th 2012, healthy except with reflux. One month later the anxiety,restlessness,horrible crying, insomnia and the deepest depression ever. That started the psyh drug nightmare-benzo's,antidepressants, sleeping pills, mood stablizers. Nothing help made me worse, doctors just kept changing the meds frequently. 4 mental health hospitalizations, rapid detox off benzos Jan 2013, horrible withdrawal and still suffering withdrawal symptoms NO ONE BELIEVES ME, I feel like ive been on one consistant drug withdrawal for the past 2 years January 2014 slow titrate up of lexapro to 20 mgs-horrible side effects!!, was just rapidly taper by current pysh off to pursade me to try an MAOI-no way!!! Was told should consider ECT
thisismyname Posted July 4, 2014 Author Posted July 4, 2014 thinking of lowering to 1mg. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
thisismyname Posted July 4, 2014 Author Posted July 4, 2014 I had a severe panic attack last night, Im still feeling anxious and scared, do I keep taking it and hope that my body adjusts? do I lower the dosage even more? do I quit taking it? Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 4, 2014 Administrator Posted July 4, 2014 I merged your topics. Please keep all your questions about your particular situation here, in one place. What time did you have the panic attack and what time did you take Celexa? It will take at least 4 days for your system to fully register the level of the drug you're taking. Even so, you may have waves and windows of symptoms, see http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/82-the-windows-and-waves-pattern-of-recovery/ Also, Please put your withdrawal history in your signature This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted July 4, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted July 4, 2014 I think we probably mentioned this before: reinstatement is not a cure. You CT'd off 40 mg. You will still have withdrawal symptoms. The point of reinstatement is to cushion the withdrawal. I think I said to Skyler, it's the difference between crashing off a high cliff onto sharp rocks or jumping off a lower cliff onto a soft meadow. It's still going to hurt but there's a big difference. It's going to take a while to stabilize. Your symptoms will come and go. It's important not to react to every worsening by changing your medication, because the changes themselves are part of the problem at this point. Your nervous system needs a chance to stabilize. And the fluctuation in symptoms is due to the CT and would be happening no matter what you did with your meds at this point. Given that you CT'd off 40 mg, which is a hefty dose, I think holding at 5 mg is a good idea for you. Keep a journal of what time you take your dose each day and when you experience things like panic attacks or other symptoms. If after a while you're still feeling overly activated, you may want to reduce your dose slightly, but please give it more time first so you can be sure it's a consistent reaction and not just the typical ups and downs that everybody gets. In the meantime, learn how to make a liquid from your tablets (it's quite easy) and get a syringe, so that you can control your dosage more carefully. Also, see if you can get the 10 mg tablet--it's going to be easier to work with those. Please read our Symptoms and Self Care section for suggestions on coping with withdrawal symptoms. Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.
Moderator Emeritus Rhiannon Posted July 4, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted July 4, 2014 It sounds like your having start up side effects, from what I've read your body acts differently to the same drug when you try it again. This happened to me when I tried to reinstate celexa, even a low dose my body just couldn't tolerate it, not to say that you won't be ok. Hopefully someone with more knowledge than me will respond soon. I'm sorry your feeling so badly, I totally sympathize. Prayers and Hugs Skylar, please be careful when replying to people who are in great distress and very vulnerable due to withdrawal, which is a terrifying experience, as you know. Most people do not have your extreme sensitivity to these meds and most people do well with reinstatement at a low dose, which can be lifesaving. If you read back through the thread you will see that for this person reinstatement brought about an initial improvement. That's a good and encouraging sign. We've worked with hundreds of people here and have learned what to look for and what bodes well and what doesn't. It is absolutely typical for the initial improvement to be followed by ups and downs. I've never seen a case where that didn't happen. I welcome your participation, we love it when people learn about these meds and help others, and your sympathy and encouragement and support are so important. But please do realize the limitations of your own limited experience at this point, and be aware that it's easy to frighten and discourage people when they're in acute withdrawal like this. The last thing we want to do is scare people into doing something that will make them worse. Started on Prozac and Xanax in 1992 for PTSD after an assault. One drug led to more, the usual story. Got sicker and sicker, but believed I needed the drugs for my "underlying disease". Long story...lost everything. Life savings, home, physical and mental health, relationships, friendships, ability to work, everything. Amitryptiline, Prozac, bupropion, buspirone, flurazepam, diazepam, alprazolam, Paxil, citalopram, lamotrigine, gabapentin...probably more I've forgotten. Started multidrug taper in Feb 2010. Doing a very slow microtaper, down to low doses now and feeling SO much better, getting my old personality and my brain back! Able to work full time, have a full social life, and cope with stress better than ever. Not perfect, but much better. After 23 lost years. Big Pharma has a lot to answer for. And "medicine for profit" is just not a great idea. Feb 15 2010: 300 mg Neurontin 200 Lamictal 10 Celexa 0.65 Xanax and 5 mg Ambien Feb 10 2014: 62 Lamictal 1.1 Celexa 0.135 Xanax 1.8 Valium Feb 10 2015: 50 Lamictal 0.875 Celexa 0.11 Xanax 1.5 Valium Feb 15 2016: 47.5 Lamictal 0.75 Celexa 0.0875 Xanax 1.42 Valium 2/12/20 12 0.045 0.007 1 May 2021 7 0.01 0.0037 1 Feb 2022 6 0!!! 0.00167 0.98 2.5 mg Ambien Oct 2022 4.5 mg Lamictal (off Celexa, off Xanax) 0.95 Valium Ambien, 1/4 to 1/2 of a 5 mg tablet I'm not a doctor. Any advice I give is just my civilian opinion.
thisismyname Posted July 14, 2014 Author Posted July 14, 2014 im starting to get used to the drug again. I was admitted(voluntarily) to a hospital, on the 4th. They put me on watch to be observed in the hospital. They watched me, made sure I wasn't having any adverse reactions to the drug. I reported the mental confusion and increased anxiety to them. They gave me options of other antidepressants, but I decided to stay on celexa. The most serious side effects have abated, The insomnia. lack of appetite extreme confusion, anxiety and blurred vision all went away. The sexual side effects have improved quite a bit. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 14, 2014 Administrator Posted July 14, 2014 Sorry to hear that you were in the hospital, TIMN, but good to hear the 5mg Celexa reinstatement is helping. I think you made the right choice not to take a different drug. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
thisismyname Posted July 14, 2014 Author Posted July 14, 2014 Sorry to hear that you were in the hospital, TIMN, but good to hear the 5mg Celexa reinstatement is helping. I think you made the right choice not to take a different drug. I agree, I was tossing escitalopram(lexapro) around in my mind but remembered what you guys said. Btw, I like cats and animals, what type of animal is that in your avatar? Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 19, 2014 Administrator Posted July 19, 2014 It is a wild Pallas cat from the snowy mountains of Asia. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
thisismyname Posted July 20, 2014 Author Posted July 20, 2014 ^Its a pretty cat. It looks wise. Update Its been almost 20 days since reinstatement, My start up effects are gradually improving. Side effects Difficulty forming thoughts, occasionally. Difficulty with reading comprehension. It's brief, Occasional and transient in nature. Strange thoughts, impulses and behavior. (with no purpose) Strange feelings. Like Im a different version of me. Side effects that have improved, or went away. Sedation is gone. Depersonalization is gone. Panic is gone. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted July 20, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted July 20, 2014 Hi, I'm glad you are starting to feel better, it sounds like you are adjusting to the reinstatement. I noticed in one of your posts that you had taken Adderall XR. Do you take this regularly? If so, please would you add this to your signature. I put Celexa and Adderall through the interactions checker, there is a major warning Interactions between your selected drugs amphetamine ↔ citalopramApplies to: Adderall XR (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine), Celexa (citalopram) Talk to your doctor before using citalopram together with amphetamine. Citalopram may increase the effects of amphetamine, and side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts have been reported. Combining these medications can also increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. http://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=190-1644,679-335 You will probably be ok with being on only 5mg of celexa, but I wanted you to be aware of this potential interaction. You probably should mention it to your doctor. Petu. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 20, 2014 Administrator Posted July 20, 2014 Why are you taking Adderall? It is methamphetamine. Very common side effects are nervousness and insomnia. How are you measuring the 5mg? At this low dosage, it's very important to be precise in dosing. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
thisismyname Posted July 22, 2014 Author Posted July 22, 2014 Why are you taking Adderall? It is methamphetamine. Very common side effects are nervousness and insomnia Im taking adderall because I have adhd. Indeed, It can cause nervousness and anger(jokingly call it madderall), although If you've been taking it as long as I have(since gradeschol) the anxiety that it gives you is mild and transient, especially since I take Buspar and Vistaril. The insomnia isn't too bad, as long as I take it early in the day so it wears off by the time I go to bed. How are you measuring the 5mg? At this low dosage, it's very important to be precise in dosing. I have a pill splitter and I make sure that the pill is always split in half. I agree that consistent dosing with antidepressants is crucial, antidepressants aren't candy. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
thisismyname Posted July 22, 2014 Author Posted July 22, 2014 Interactions between your selected drugs amphetamine ↔ citalopramApplies to: Adderall XR (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine), Celexa (citalopram) Talk to your doctor before using citalopram together with amphetamine. Citalopram may increase the effects of amphetamine, and side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts have been reported. Combining these medications can also increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. http://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=190-1644,679-335 Thanks, but im already aware of the interaction . It hasn't given me any problems that I could -notice- I took adderall and celexa together for 7 years at the max dose of celexa and nothing happened. Im not saying that nothing will happen to anyone else, but I had no problems. Either nothing happened or when I first started taking the combo I didn't put two and two together when I was feeling jittery. I noticed in one of your posts that you had taken Adderall XR. Do you take this regularly? If so, please would you add this to your signature. I take adderall xr 30 mg every day. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Moderator Emeritus Petunia Posted July 23, 2014 Moderator Emeritus Posted July 23, 2014 Thanks for updating your signature, do stay in touch and let us know how you are doing. I'm not a doctor. My comments are not medical advise. These are my opinions based on my own experience and what I've learned. Please discuss your situation with a medical practitioner who has knowledge of tapering and withdrawal...if you are lucky enough to find one. My Introduction Thread Full Drug and Withdrawal History Brief Summary Several SSRIs for 13 years starting 1997 (for mild to moderate partly situational anxiety) Xanax PRN ~ Various other drugs over the years for side effects 2 month 'taper' off Lexapro 2010 Short acute withdrawal, followed by 2 -3 months of improvement then delayed protracted withdrawal DX ADHD followed by several years of stimulants and other drugs trying to manage increasing symptoms Failed reinstatement of Lexapro and trial of Prozac (became suicidal) May 2013 Found SA, learned about withdrawal, stopped taking drugs...healing begins. Protracted withdrawal, with a very sensitized nervous system, slowly recovering as time passes Supplements which have helped: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Taurine Bad reactions: Many supplements but mostly fish oil and Vitamin D June 2016 - Started daily juicing, mostly vegetables and lots of greens. Aug 2016 - Oct 2016 Best window ever, felt almost completely recovered Oct 2016 -Symptoms returned - bad days and less bad days. April 2018 - No windows, but significant improvement, it feels like permanent full recovery is close. VIDEO: Where did the chemical imbalance theory come from? VIDEO: How are psychiatric diagnoses made? VIDEO: Why do psychiatric drugs have withdrawal syndromes? VIDEO: Can psychiatric drugs cause long-lasting negative effects? VIDEO: Dr. Claire Weekes
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 25, 2014 Administrator Posted July 25, 2014 Please put ALL your drugs, even the non-psych ones, in the Drug Interactions Checker here http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and post the results in this topic. If you don't have anxiety, why were you prescribed Buspar? Please note: The more drugs you take, the more likely they are to interact, have adverse effects, or do long-term damage to your health. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
thisismyname Posted July 25, 2014 Author Posted July 25, 2014 Please put ALL your drugs, even the non-psych ones, in the Drug Interactions Checker here http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html and post the results in this topic. If you don't have anxiety, why were you prescribed Buspar? Please note: The more drugs you take, the more likely they are to interact, have adverse effects, or do long-term damage to your health. I was originally prescribed buspar and vistaril to control the high blood pressure I used to have when I was younger (early or mid teens) and to augment my antidepressant. The doctor was concerned about it and prescribed them both to me. I no longer have high blood pressure but continue to take them because they help. I understand that the more pills you take the more likely you are to have a reaction. The best advice I can give anyone is to research a drug before you put it in your mouth,". I lived though the hellish combination of a PPI and a SSRI that was incorrectly prescribed to be for a disease that I didn't even have(GERD). A psychiatrist tried to add on welbutrin,(for the ssri sexual side effects) but I was aware of a potential interaction between that and adderall and I refused. Wellbutrin can increase the blood levels of adderall and cause me to have elevated side effects of adderall. Summer of 2007 started celexa at age 15. December of 2013 MISDIAGNOSED with GERD and was perscribed ppi's. Mid May 2014 went C/T(Stupidly) off of my 40MG of celexa due to an interaction to the ppi's. This interaction left my body damaged. First of July of 2014 went back on my celexa at 5 mgs.. Currently adjusting to 5 mg's of Celexa. Current meds: Adderall Xr 30 mg/ Celexa 5mg/ Buspar 15mg/ Vistaril 25mg/ Fish oil 1000mg/ B12 100mcg/ Mulit-vitamin.
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 26, 2014 Administrator Posted July 26, 2014 Well, as time goes on, your body changes and reacts differently to the drug cocktails you take. Please keep this in mind and check your drug interactions anyway. This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted.
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