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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by chloe on May 10, 2001, at 20:08:17
I stopped my AD for two months after I had been on and ssri of some kind for at least a decade. I really tried to just get by on a mood stabilizer, but my thoughts just kept getting more negative, and my energy level was nil. My outlook and ability to cope was poor.
So, being very sensitive to ssri's (I only need 50mgs of Zoloft to feel ok.), my doc started me out on 5 mgs of Celexa. I almost had an immediate reaction. I am jittery, I can't sleep much at night, and I feel like I am racing. But my mood has been so positive and happy. I am very talkative and interactive, when I used to very quiet. But I feel so tense, I am clenching my teeth and I have no appetite. I feel like I am on speed. I was totally unproductive and lethargic, and now I can't stay still have to "do" something. Can't rest.
I have called my pdoc, 3 times and she has not gotten back to me. I have only been on it for 5 days, and I want to give this a fair shot. I also love feeling so upbeat and energetic! But at what price? I feel like a drank a pot of coffee, I just am tense and jittery and now I think feeling a bit aggitated.
Has anyone else had this reaction? I thought I was going to be sleepy. Is there any chance this "energized" feeling will pass?
Any thoughts, anyone?
TIA Chloe
Posted by tbro on May 10, 2001, at 20:54:03
In reply to Celexa-Is this normal?, posted by chloe on May 10, 2001, at 20:08:17
>Same thing happened to me Chloe. Very jittery, couldn't sit still, fidgitty. I think it's a start up effect and will pass. I couldn't stay on celexa long enough to find out because it made me ill and gave me extreme headaches.
Best of luck though. Celexa has been a wonder-drug for many people.I stopped my AD for two months after I had been on and ssri of some kind for at least a decade. I really tried to just get by on a mood stabilizer, but my thoughts just kept getting more negative, and my energy level was nil. My outlook and ability to cope was poor.
>
> So, being very sensitive to ssri's (I only need 50mgs of Zoloft to feel ok.), my doc started me out on 5 mgs of Celexa. I almost had an immediate reaction. I am jittery, I can't sleep much at night, and I feel like I am racing. But my mood has been so positive and happy. I am very talkative and interactive, when I used to very quiet. But I feel so tense, I am clenching my teeth and I have no appetite. I feel like I am on speed. I was totally unproductive and lethargic, and now I can't stay still have to "do" something. Can't rest.
>
> I have called my pdoc, 3 times and she has not gotten back to me. I have only been on it for 5 days, and I want to give this a fair shot. I also love feeling so upbeat and energetic! But at what price? I feel like a drank a pot of coffee, I just am tense and jittery and now I think feeling a bit aggitated.
> Has anyone else had this reaction? I thought I was going to be sleepy. Is there any chance this "energized" feeling will pass?
> Any thoughts, anyone?
> TIA Chloe
Posted by Smiley on May 10, 2001, at 20:59:12
In reply to Celexa-Is this normal?, posted by chloe on May 10, 2001, at 20:08:17
Hi Chloe,
-When I started Celexa I had problems with insomnia for about a week after starting it, and I was very motivated also. I think this wore off after a week or so, maybe a few.
-However, I was only on the Celexa for about 3 months because I seemed to be getting more depressed than I was when I started on it.
-I wish you luck on it, everyone reacts to medicine differently. If you keep having problems with it after a few weeks still, I would suggest trying to keep contacting your doctor.
-One of the benefits of the Celexa was it didn't effect my sex life like some of the others that you'll hear about.
> I stopped my AD for two months after I had been on and ssri of some kind for at least a decade. I really tried to just get by on a mood stabilizer, but my thoughts just kept getting more negative, and my energy level was nil. My outlook and ability to cope was poor.
>
> So, being very sensitive to ssri's (I only need 50mgs of Zoloft to feel ok.), my doc started me out on 5 mgs of Celexa. I almost had an immediate reaction. I am jittery, I can't sleep much at night, and I feel like I am racing. But my mood has been so positive and happy. I am very talkative and interactive, when I used to very quiet. But I feel so tense, I am clenching my teeth and I have no appetite. I feel like I am on speed. I was totally unproductive and lethargic, and now I can't stay still have to "do" something. Can't rest.
>
> I have called my pdoc, 3 times and she has not gotten back to me. I have only been on it for 5 days, and I want to give this a fair shot. I also love feeling so upbeat and energetic! But at what price? I feel like a drank a pot of coffee, I just am tense and jittery and now I think feeling a bit aggitated.
> Has anyone else had this reaction? I thought I was going to be sleepy. Is there any chance this "energized" feeling will pass?
> Any thoughts, anyone?
> TIA Chloe
Posted by chloe on May 10, 2001, at 22:15:48
In reply to Re: Celexa-Is this normal?, posted by Smiley on May 10, 2001, at 20:59:12
Thanks for your replies about Celexa. My pdoc told my to take 2 mgs per day (liquid form) instead of 5 to see if that helps with the aggitition and jitteriness. But so far, I am still a live wire and not enjoying it anymore. I am not tired, I am not hungry, I don't sleep well and I feel pressured and rushed to be doing something every waking hour. I feel like I am on speed, but with depressed thoughts. I am also losing track of time and place. I think perhaps because I can't sleep...Or could it be affecting my memory?
Thanks again, all imput appreciated.
Chloe
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 10, 2001, at 23:29:41
In reply to Re: Celexa-Is this normal?, posted by chloe on May 10, 2001, at 22:15:48
You will eventually develop a tolerance for the Celexa and the agitation will go away. Give the Celexa a 6 week try.
Posted by Jackster on May 13, 2001, at 4:32:49
In reply to Re: Celexa-Is this normal?, posted by chloe on May 10, 2001, at 22:15:48
> Thanks for your replies about Celexa. My pdoc told my to take 2 mgs per day (liquid form) instead of 5 to see if that helps with the aggitition and jitteriness. But so far, I am still a live wire and not enjoying it anymore. I am not tired, I am not hungry, I don't sleep well and I feel pressured and rushed to be doing something every waking hour. I feel like I am on speed, but with depressed thoughts. I am also losing track of time and place. I think perhaps because I can't sleep...Or could it be affecting my memory?
> Thanks again, all imput appreciated.
> ChloeThis sounds like a very strong reaction to such a small dose - I don't know if it would be worth perservering with it. The only reaction I had to Celexa was a rash - which I took as being an alergic reaction. The PDoc dismissed this as being *very rare*, then admitted that he'd seen someone else that day with the same problem on the same drug. It didn't help with my panic disorder either.
Posted by Mitch on May 13, 2001, at 16:51:13
In reply to Celexa-Is this normal?, posted by chloe on May 10, 2001, at 20:08:17
I have taken all the SSRI's and Celexa is the easiest one *overall* for me to take. Prozac and Zoloft made it too tough to sleep. Paxil and Luvox made me "lead-suited" with EPS symptoms and felt like I was going to puke all the time. For some reason Celexa has a real *speedy* buzz to it, but being bipolar I know (from experience) that it is creating some breakthrough hypomania. I was laughing up a storm yesterday (it's good for social anxiety!), but I feel abnormally wound up.
They say that SSRI's cause less breakthrough than others, but I think it is bull....I had fewer hypomanic symptoms on nortriptyline (Pamelor) for example.> I stopped my AD for two months after I had been on and ssri of some kind for at least a decade. I really tried to just get by on a mood stabilizer, but my thoughts just kept getting more negative, and my energy level was nil. My outlook and ability to cope was poor.
>
> So, being very sensitive to ssri's (I only need 50mgs of Zoloft to feel ok.), my doc started me out on 5 mgs of Celexa. I almost had an immediate reaction. I am jittery, I can't sleep much at night, and I feel like I am racing. But my mood has been so positive and happy. I am very talkative and interactive, when I used to very quiet. But I feel so tense, I am clenching my teeth and I have no appetite. I feel like I am on speed. I was totally unproductive and lethargic, and now I can't stay still have to "do" something. Can't rest.
>
> I have called my pdoc, 3 times and she has not gotten back to me. I have only been on it for 5 days, and I want to give this a fair shot. I also love feeling so upbeat and energetic! But at what price? I feel like a drank a pot of coffee, I just am tense and jittery and now I think feeling a bit aggitated.
> Has anyone else had this reaction? I thought I was going to be sleepy. Is there any chance this "energized" feeling will pass?
> Any thoughts, anyone?
> TIA Chloe
Posted by chloe on May 13, 2001, at 20:19:24
In reply to Re: Celexa-Is this normal?, posted by Mitch on May 13, 2001, at 16:51:13
For some reason Celexa has a real *speedy* buzz to it, but being bipolar I know (from experience) that it is creating some breakthrough hypomania. I was laughing up a storm yesterday (it's good for social anxiety!), but I feel abnormally wound up.
> They say that SSRI's cause less breakthrough than others, but I think it is bull....I had fewer hypomanic symptoms on nortriptyline (Pamelor) for example.
>Mitch
I can totally relate to the "speedy" feeling. This is the fastest response I have has to an AD I think because it really winds me up. I am only taking 4 mgs Celexa a day and my thoughts are very positive and warm and I can talk up a storm. I keep asking people to stop me if I am carrying on too much!
Also, my pdoc added in a little neurontin for the akethesia. I just could not sit still, eat or sleep more than 15 mins at a time. I slept much better with 100 mgs neurontin last night. And after 100 mgs this am, I was still upbeat, but a little too tired to share it with everyone in the room!
I have only been on Celexa for a week but what a wild ride. I hope I stabilize and start to feel "normal" soon. I am not too crazy about the hypomania stuff. It scares me.
Hang in there and thanks for sharing,
chloe
Posted by Mitch on May 14, 2001, at 0:23:42
In reply to Re: Celexa-Is this normal?-Mitch, posted by chloe on May 13, 2001, at 20:19:24
I see my pdoc tomorrow morning and the discussion is going to be about Celexa's helpful but *destablizing* effect!? *Every* AD that I have taken has created some breakthrough hypomania. But if I stop the darn things I get a similar response to what you have mentioned-inability to cope, anxiety, lack of interest, etc. The ONLY thing that I haven't tried is MAOI'S, and I and my doc is scared to death of them. I am real sensitive to Ad's and other meds too, and I don't want a potentially lethal situation to arise-when I can take something safer and *almost* as good. Oh, by the way-dont' worry *too* much about hypomania-it beats panic and depression by a long shot!
> For some reason Celexa has a real *speedy* buzz to it, but being bipolar I know (from experience) that it is creating some breakthrough hypomania. I was laughing up a storm yesterday (it's good for social anxiety!), but I feel abnormally wound up.
> > They say that SSRI's cause less breakthrough than others, but I think it is bull....I had fewer hypomanic symptoms on nortriptyline (Pamelor) for example.
> >
>
> Mitch
> I can totally relate to the "speedy" feeling. This is the fastest response I have has to an AD I think because it really winds me up. I am only taking 4 mgs Celexa a day and my thoughts are very positive and warm and I can talk up a storm. I keep asking people to stop me if I am carrying on too much!
> Also, my pdoc added in a little neurontin for the akethesia. I just could not sit still, eat or sleep more than 15 mins at a time. I slept much better with 100 mgs neurontin last night. And after 100 mgs this am, I was still upbeat, but a little too tired to share it with everyone in the room!
> I have only been on Celexa for a week but what a wild ride. I hope I stabilize and start to feel "normal" soon. I am not too crazy about the hypomania stuff. It scares me.
> Hang in there and thanks for sharing,
> chloe
Posted by chloe on May 14, 2001, at 10:20:26
In reply to Re: Celexa-Is this normal?-Mitch, posted by Mitch on May 14, 2001, at 0:23:42
> I see my pdoc tomorrow morning and the discussion is going to be about Celexa's helpful but *destablizing* effect!? *Every* AD that I have taken has created some breakthrough hypomania. But if I stop the darn things I get a similar response to what you have mentioned-inability to cope, anxiety, lack of interest, etc. The ONLY thing that I haven't tried is MAOI'S, and I and my doc is scared to death of them. I am real sensitive to Ad's and other meds too, and I don't want a potentially lethal situation to arise-when I can take something safer and *almost* as good. Oh, by the way-dont' worry *too* much about hypomania-it beats panic and depression by a long shot!
Hi Mitch
I tend to agree that hypomania beats depression, but I have learned through experience that hypomania is always followed by a HORRIBLE crash. When I feel so good, I tend to overextend myself, then the crash comes and I have to cancel everything because I am immobililized by depression, tears and exhaustion from all the energy I expended during my sleepless spree! It becomes very hard to "disguise" my illness! There are only so many excuses for canceling. UGH.Have you discussed Lamictal with your pdoc? That is something my doc wants to try, but I am so prone to rashes (I have bad eczema, etc.), I am too scared to give it a shot. But I know for some, it's really a nice "stabilizing" drug. And relatively safe if initiated slowly.
I really like mood stabilizers, and they work well for me. If one had an AD in it, I think I would be all set. So maybe one day, Lamictal will be in the picture. Or as the case is now, Neurontin (very effective so far at 200mgs!) to chill me out from the Celexa. I am really amazed that 4 mgs of Celexa feels like I am on speed!
MAOI's do seem like a risk. I have never considered them and won't. I always thought if I were on them and feeling extra desperate, I could go out on a last supper of extra cheese pizza and red wine! So definitely NOT an option for me!
Good luck at the pdoc. I would love to know how it goes, if you feel like sharing.
Best,
Chloe
Posted by Mitch on May 14, 2001, at 11:59:22
In reply to Re: Celexa-Is this normal?-Mitch, posted by chloe on May 14, 2001, at 10:20:26
Well, the session turned out to be pretty interesting. I am going to continue the low-dose Celexa (I take approx. 3.33mg/day-a *sixth* of a tablet-that's how sensitive to AD's that I am!)
This is despite the cycling that it is causing. What we did was add 300mg of lithium to the 300mg of Neurontin and 1.0mg of Klonopin that I am currently also taking. I have taken Lithium before and I don't like it that much-but it does work. We are then going to see if that will settle my "amped-out" feelings and mild insomnia from the Celexa. If it seems to work ok-then we are going to *consider* dropping out the Celexa ...slowly...
YES, you are correct the hypomania will end up in a crash that will be sucky-that's true. My pattern though tends to be what they call DME. I tend to suddently get depressed after feeling fairly neutral, then I get a rapid recovery with hypomania from the depression and then the hypomania just fades into a neutral thing and then it repeats (every three weeks). I am just trying to get beyond having two choices:
1) No cycling-but with anxiety troubles worse.
2) Cycling-but more sociable-less tense
> Hi Mitch
> I tend to agree that hypomania beats depression, but I have learned through experience that hypomania is always followed by a HORRIBLE crash. When I feel so good, I tend to overextend myself, then the crash comes and I have to cancel everything because I am immobililized by depression, tears and exhaustion from all the energy I expended during my sleepless spree! It becomes very hard to "disguise" my illness! There are only so many excuses for canceling. UGH.
>
> Have you discussed Lamictal with your pdoc? That is something my doc wants to try, but I am so prone to rashes (I have bad eczema, etc.), I am too scared to give it a shot. But I know for some, it's really a nice "stabilizing" drug. And relatively safe if initiated slowly.
>
> I really like mood stabilizers, and they work well for me. If one had an AD in it, I think I would be all set. So maybe one day, Lamictal will be in the picture. Or as the case is now, Neurontin (very effective so far at 200mgs!) to chill me out from the Celexa. I am really amazed that 4 mgs of Celexa feels like I am on speed!
>
> MAOI's do seem like a risk. I have never considered them and won't. I always thought if I were on them and feeling extra desperate, I could go out on a last supper of extra cheese pizza and red wine! So definitely NOT an option for me!
>
> Good luck at the pdoc. I would love to know how it goes, if you feel like sharing.
> Best,
> Chloe
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