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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by pixiemagic on December 16, 2011, at 21:53:19
i've tried quite a few anti-depressants/anti-anxiety meds throughout the years & the only ones that gave me some relief were wellbutrin & celexa. i'm not even sure if this is right combo for what i experience, so i'm open to suggestions. i'd like to try natural alternatives. i'm thinking 5htp for the celexa? what should i take for the wellbutrin? or something else altogether?
My main issues:
-irritability
-anger
-can't control emotions/extremely sensitive
-lack of energy, but mind is always racing w/ thoughts
-no motivation
-phobias/fear
i know it's all out of whack & many of my symptoms seem contradicting, like bipolar. i've never been diagnosed as bipolar, but i don't really "cycle", or at least i haven't been able to figure mine out if i do. i usually just have "spells" where i freak out & break down. i get triggered by something & then i get super angry & then super depressed (immediately after). the rest of the time i alternate day to day or week to week from having energy, being productive & happy (but not manic) to feeling low, lack of energy & irritable/angry.
Posted by former poster on January 22, 2012, at 1:38:49
In reply to Alternatives for Wellbutrin + Celexa?, posted by pixiemagic on December 16, 2011, at 21:53:19
I had those same side effects when I first started. After several months it seems you stabilize to a semi-flat fairly energetic state of mind.
Posted by BetweenDreams81 on April 26, 2012, at 12:48:22
In reply to Re: Alternatives for Wellbutrin + Celexa? » pixiemagic, posted by former poster on January 22, 2012, at 1:38:49
Can you describe this feeling a little more? I just started Celexa yesterday after seeing my pdoc...the lithium makes me kinda flat already, I don't dip into extreme depression the way I used to, nor do I have as many racing/cyclical thoughts as I used to...BUT there is always an underlay of depression and lack of emotion. Is it common for Celexa to make one flat? I was hoping to finally feel a little happiness and joy on a regular basis, a little more self starting energy.
Posted by former poster on April 26, 2012, at 15:50:36
In reply to Re: Alternatives for Wellbutrin + Celexa? » former poster, posted by BetweenDreams81 on April 26, 2012, at 12:48:22
Bupropion would only take me so far. A feeling of un-depressed, but definitely not happy. Maybe the Celexa will take care of that?
The "flatness" was not nearly as bad as some of the mood stabilizers I have tried. I would be concerned about the lithium you are taking. That is Lithium's job, to induce flatness.Best of luck to you!
Posted by BetweenDreams81 on May 2, 2012, at 17:29:44
In reply to Re: Alternatives for Wellbutrin + Celexa? » BetweenDreams81, posted by former poster on April 26, 2012, at 15:50:36
> Bupropion would only take me so far. A feeling of un-depressed, but definitely not happy. Maybe the Celexa will take care of that?
> The "flatness" was not nearly as bad as some of the mood stabilizers I have tried. I would be concerned about the lithium you are taking. That is Lithium's job, to induce flatness.
>
> Best of luck to you!Not sure what other choices I would have. I have tried Lamictal (it was the 1st drug we tried) but unfortunately I had the scary reaction to it. I do need a mood stabilizer of some sort...but yes, I definitely feel the flatness and lack of empathy from the lithium. This blah flatness certainly doesn't help out the mostly constant low/mod level depression. I was hoping that Celexa would battle that part out a bit. Thought about Adderall, but even at 2.5mg IR I go manic...the up for days on end kind, I'll FIND something, anything, to paint and paint all of the walls in my apartment until I am satisfied with the colors and quality (last time it took 20 color samples to do the job right); or I get a wild hare to start a new business and am up all hours writing down plans and ideas, or I spend money....SO I think that's out LOL
Posted by former poster on May 4, 2012, at 16:43:38
In reply to Re: Alternatives for Wellbutrin + Celexa? » former poster, posted by BetweenDreams81 on May 2, 2012, at 17:29:44
Adderall had the same effect on me. I felt hypomanic. It made me talk fast, drive fast, think fast. My Pdoc switched me over to Dextroamphetamine and I became calmer, more motivated. I know of few people that do well on Adderall / Ritalin. Maybe its best suited for lorry/truck drivers?
Did you mention painting? If you are an artist Lithium will mute your creative abilities. I would try reducing the lithium with your Drs supervion and replace it with a good quality fish oil and NAC. Trileptal might be another option. I heard it has less blunting effect.
Posted by jjjaspar on May 30, 2012, at 9:49:27
In reply to Alternatives for Wellbutrin + Celexa?, posted by pixiemagic on December 16, 2011, at 21:53:19
Depends on the source of your problems. If your issues are actually food allergies, getting off those foods are the "alternative." Some people do well on vitamin supplements. Some addressing systemic yeast. Others have to address Lyme disease. Or raise thyroid levels. For some, Rhodiola and/or Vital Adapt help those symptoms. Some use help for miochondrial function, or amino acids, or addressing sleep issues. That's why we need better medical care than we are getting.
Here are some books that may help. I have all 3. Of course, I have a lot more than these 3. I also suggest workbooks on DBT and/or CBT.
Mark Hyman: http://www.amazon.com/The-UltraMind-Solution-Depression-Overcome/dp/1416549722/
Jeanie Wolfson: http://www.amazon.com/Its-not-mental-innovative-treatment/dp/0982805209/
Kenneth Bock and Cameron Stauth: http://www.amazon.com/Healing-New-Childhood-Epidemics-Groundbreaking/dp/0345494512/
Posted by Islandangel on October 6, 2012, at 21:38:30
In reply to Re: Alternatives for Wellbutrin + Celexa?, posted by jjjaspar on May 30, 2012, at 9:49:27
Hi jjjaspar - Have you looked at or considered Inositol? I am also looking at an alternative med. Over the years I have been on a number of anti-depressants. They poop out on me and within a year or so I end up with bad side effects. The most recent was Effexor. While some rave about Effexor, it was a living nightmare for me from day one. I even lost the best job of my life because of it. I am currently on Adderall for Inattentive ADD and also taking Lyrica (for arthritis & fibro pain). But I am finding that I am just not motivated, can't get anything done and constantly procrastinate. I'm not really depressed but I dont feel like getting outdoors, being in public and I'm not motivated at all. I am researching Inositol which is a B vitamin. I'm seriously considering trying Inositol to help with motivation. I am also going to try Magnesium Glycinate for Adderall tolerance. Please let me know how it goes with you!
Posted by former poster on October 7, 2012, at 0:26:36
In reply to Re: Alternatives for Wellbutrin + Celexa? » BetweenDreams81, posted by former poster on May 4, 2012, at 16:43:38
Correction:
I said "Adderall" when I meant to say "Concerta". Sorry for the error...
>>>Adderall had the same effect on me. I felt hypomanic. It made me talk fast, drive fast, think fast. My Pdoc switched me over to <<<
Posted by BetweenDreams81 on October 7, 2012, at 23:33:28
In reply to Re: Alternatives for Wellbutrin + Celexa? » former poster, posted by former poster on October 7, 2012, at 0:26:36
Many moons ago I was Rx'd Concerta....no bueno...made me feel spacey, tired, unmotivated...quite possibly this is contributing to your lack of desire to get going?
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