Celexa

catlady100 · 10-26-2005, 04:29 PM

I am conflicted over taking Celexa. I discussed it with my Dr. and we decided that I should switch over to Celexa while still on Paxil and see what happens, but that is kind of scary. I am thinking that I will go back to her, give her back the prescription for Celexa and ask for more Paxil so that I can continue to taper. Throwing another drug into the mix doesn't seem to be the answer. My sister did this with no adverse effects and I am tempted but scared.

ddog1st · 10-26-2005, 04:34 PM

Is celexa a SSRI?

catlady100 · 10-26-2005, 04:39 PM

yes, celexa is a ssri

genevieve · 10-26-2005, 04:42 PM

from what I have learned on this site the "switch" method (that is mostly done with prozac but celexa is another SSRI) does not work really well. And the fact that you are going to be on 2 drugs SSRI at the same time can be dangerous I think (you will have to ask the experts here but I dont think 2 SSRI at the same time is good for the brain). My advice would be to do a slow taper on paxil. I think celexa is well known for its insomnia side effect.

scotty · 10-26-2005, 04:55 PM

If you going to try and come off paxil, then do it with paxil. Adding Celexa just opens you up to serotonin syndrome.

catlady100 · 10-26-2005, 07:10 PM

what is serotonin syndrome?

ddog1st · 10-26-2005, 07:15 PM

Serotonin syndrome happens when there is too much serotonin in the brain. Doubling up on SSRIs can cause this to happen.
The symptoms of the serotonin syndrome are: euphoria, drowsiness, sustained rapid eye movement, overreaction of the reflexes, rapid muscle contraction and relaxation in the ankle causing abnormal movements of the foot, clumsiness, restlessness, feeling drunk and dizzy, muscle contraction and relaxation in the jaw, sweating, intoxication, muscle twitching, rigidity, high body temperature, mental status changes were frequent (including confusion and hypomania - a "happy drunk" state), shivering, diarrhea, loss of consciousness and death. (The Serotonin Syndrome, AM J PSYCHIATRY, June 1991)

rdjanis · 10-26-2005, 07:18 PM

Here is a good description of serotonin syndrome.

http://members.aol.com/atracyphd/syndrome.htm

Out of Order · 10-27-2005, 01:01 AM

I was on Paxil 15 mg for a month while taking 15 mg of Lexipro. I finally stopped the paxil and am now on 5 mg of lexipro with no adverse effects except insomnia ( I have chronic insomnia anyway). I feel as if there's actually a chance to get off all AD's entirely within a few weeks. Or I might just be optimistic! I know most people don't care for me on this forum. it might be because I'm an oddball who doesn't fit the norm so many times. this has been my experience tho and everyone reacts differently. Didn't experience any seritonin syndrome. Also I was on pretty low doses of both meds and didn't take thhem both together for very long. liz

scotty · 10-27-2005, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Out of Order

I know most people don't care for me on this forum. it might be because I'm an oddball who doesn't fit the norm so many times.

I don't understand this comment.

Out of Order · 10-27-2005, 09:51 AM

It's hard to describe why I wrote that. I guess part of it has to do with the fact that I'm more of a fence sitter when it comes to so many of the issues that come up here and I think a lot of people sense that. i am outraged but then I can usually see the other side of things. Horrors maybe I'd make a good trial lawyer

. I don't usually get a lot of responses when I post something in here. I know I have terrible self esteem (which is why I'm in therapy) and have alot of relational issues. I don't want to be the oddball, I've always wanted to be accepted just as I am. Warts and all. Liz

bbk · 10-27-2005, 11:08 AM

Hi
I heard 2 weeks before switching over to new SSRI

elisa · 10-27-2005, 12:01 PM

I don't want to be the oddball, I've always wanted to be accepted just as I am. Warts and all. Liz

Liz, we on paxilprogress have a lot more in common than what you think.

Those feelings could stem from childhood experiences and talk therapy helped me in that regard. It's not easy to erase that automatic rerun of tape in our heads.

damama · 10-27-2005, 12:28 PM

cat,

If you start taking celexa, stop taking the paxil. Don't combine the two. I hope all goes smoothly for you. Good luck!

scotty · 10-27-2005, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Out of Order

It's hard to describe why I wrote that. I guess part of it has to do with the fact that I'm more of a fence sitter when it comes to so many of the issues that come up here and I think a lot of people sense that. i am outraged but then I can usually see the other side of things. Horrors maybe I'd make a good trial lawyer

. I don't usually get a lot of responses when I post something in here. I know I have terrible self esteem (which is why I'm in therapy) and have alot of relational issues. I don't want to be the oddball, I've always wanted to be accepted just as I am. Warts and all. Liz

Your experience is just that, your experience. We aren't here to judge that. We aren't here to judge anyone(OK, maybe GSK!!!). But alot here have had horrible experiences with paxil, very different from your own. NOW don't take that personally.. it's just different experiences. I'm a bit more "outspoken" with my opinions and will never tell someone to take paxil. Don't take my outspokenness as an affront to you. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Everyone has an experience here that will have value to new members coming on board.

Out of Order · 10-28-2005, 02:10 AM

thanks Elisa and Laurie. I was not too stable when I wrote those posts. Gee do you think quitting paxil , going on Lexipro and then weaning from Lexipro had anything to do with my irrational statements that came out all wrong?! Believe me I hate Paxil and had a nightmare getting off of it. I was just trying to say I was having some success with my method of taking 2 ADs at the same time, not having serotonin syndrome and hopefully getting off bothof them in a few weeks time. It has been true FOR ME that reducing from Lexipro has been easier than reducing from Paxil. i don't want to force anyone to copy me. Then with the lovely mood swings I've been having somehow my pity-party came into the mix. I am not too stable right now. Please forgive me. I hold you Laurie in the highest regards and Elisa you seem like a very nice person who has personally gone through a lot of what I'm feeling right now. Are my apologies accepted? Liz

scotty · 10-28-2005, 10:55 AM

No apology needed. Just didn't want you to feel left out!!

rdjanis · 10-28-2005, 11:18 AM

outoforder, I am piping in here late but have been extremely busy. Don't feel like you don't fit here...please. What makes this place special to me is the fact that we have a large group of people on various medications, some withdrawing and some not. This enables help for everyone. Your experience and opinions are as important as anyone elses.

elisa · 10-28-2005, 03:10 PM

No apologies needed here.

We don't judge and know how hard withdrawl can hit us emotionally and physically.

10-26-2005, 04:29 PM	#1
catlady100 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 13	Celexa I am conflicted over taking Celexa. I discussed it with my Dr. and we decided that I should switch over to Celexa while still on Paxil and see what happens, but that is kind of scary. I am thinking that I will go back to her, give her back the prescription for Celexa and ask for more Paxil so that I can continue to taper. Throwing another drug into the mix doesn't seem to be the answer. My sister did this with no adverse effects and I am tempted but scared.

10-26-2005, 04:34 PM	#2
ddog1st Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 591	Re: Celexa Is celexa a SSRI? __________________ Bryan Drug companies are the true identity of a Scooby Doo villians disguised as a nest egg. Paxil Free on April 17, 2006 http://myspace.com/ddog1st

10-26-2005, 04:39 PM	#3
catlady100 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 13	Re: Celexa yes, celexa is a ssri

10-26-2005, 04:42 PM	#4
genevieve Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: montréal, canada Posts: 1,442	Re: Celexa from what I have learned on this site the "switch" method (that is mostly done with prozac but celexa is another SSRI) does not work really well. And the fact that you are going to be on 2 drugs SSRI at the same time can be dangerous I think (you will have to ask the experts here but I dont think 2 SSRI at the same time is good for the brain). My advice would be to do a slow taper on paxil. I think celexa is well known for its insomnia side effect. __________________ paxil free since july 2003 Still dealing with agoraphobia and anxiety

10-26-2005, 04:55 PM	#5
scotty Administrator & Advocate Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 38,590	Re: Celexa If you going to try and come off paxil, then do it with paxil. Adding Celexa just opens you up to serotonin syndrome. __________________ AKA Laurie "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

10-26-2005, 07:10 PM	#6
catlady100 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 13	Re: Celexa what is serotonin syndrome?

10-26-2005, 07:15 PM	#7
ddog1st Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 591	Re: Celexa Serotonin syndrome happens when there is too much serotonin in the brain. Doubling up on SSRIs can cause this to happen. The symptoms of the serotonin syndrome are: euphoria, drowsiness, sustained rapid eye movement, overreaction of the reflexes, rapid muscle contraction and relaxation in the ankle causing abnormal movements of the foot, clumsiness, restlessness, feeling drunk and dizzy, muscle contraction and relaxation in the jaw, sweating, intoxication, muscle twitching, rigidity, high body temperature, mental status changes were frequent (including confusion and hypomania - a "happy drunk" state), shivering, diarrhea, loss of consciousness and death. (The Serotonin Syndrome, AM J PSYCHIATRY, June 1991) __________________ Bryan Drug companies are the true identity of a Scooby Doo villians disguised as a nest egg. Paxil Free on April 17, 2006 http://myspace.com/ddog1st

10-26-2005, 07:18 PM	#8
rdjanis "has a lavender scented keyboard" Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ontario Posts: 22,238	Re: Celexa Here is a good description of serotonin syndrome. http://members.aol.com/atracyphd/syndrome.htm __________________ Rita

10-27-2005, 01:01 AM	#9
Out of Order Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 264	Re: Celexa I was on Paxil 15 mg for a month while taking 15 mg of Lexipro. I finally stopped the paxil and am now on 5 mg of lexipro with no adverse effects except insomnia ( I have chronic insomnia anyway). I feel as if there's actually a chance to get off all AD's entirely within a few weeks. Or I might just be optimistic! I know most people don't care for me on this forum. it might be because I'm an oddball who doesn't fit the norm so many times. this has been my experience tho and everyone reacts differently. Didn't experience any seritonin syndrome. Also I was on pretty low doses of both meds and didn't take thhem both together for very long. liz __________________ drugs I am now taking: Small dose of trazodone, ambien, klonopin. And Neurontin for the occational severe pain I get from the Tendinitis I have in my shoulders which may may be complicated by a rotator cuff injury. I'm not having any surgery tho!

10-27-2005, 09:51 AM	#11
Out of Order Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 264	Re: Celexa It's hard to describe why I wrote that. I guess part of it has to do with the fact that I'm more of a fence sitter when it comes to so many of the issues that come up here and I think a lot of people sense that. i am outraged but then I can usually see the other side of things. Horrors maybe I'd make a good trial lawyer. I don't usually get a lot of responses when I post something in here. I know I have terrible self esteem (which is why I'm in therapy) and have alot of relational issues. I don't want to be the oddball, I've always wanted to be accepted just as I am. Warts and all. Liz __________________ drugs I am now taking: Small dose of trazodone, ambien, klonopin. And Neurontin for the occational severe pain I get from the Tendinitis I have in my shoulders which may may be complicated by a rotator cuff injury. I'm not having any surgery tho!

10-27-2005, 11:08 AM	#12
bbk Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 86	Re: Celexa Hi I heard 2 weeks before switching over to new SSRI __________________ paxil free since 9-04

10-27-2005, 12:01 PM	#13
elisa Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 11,509	Re: Celexa I don't want to be the oddball, I've always wanted to be accepted just as I am. Warts and all. Liz Liz, we on paxilprogress have a lot more in common than what you think. Those feelings could stem from childhood experiences and talk therapy helped me in that regard. It's not easy to erase that automatic rerun of tape in our heads. __________________ On A/D's since 1995, switching due to side-effects on 30 different brands of TCA's, SSRI's, SNRI's, Antipsychotics, Benzo's & Imovane. 6 ECT's. Tapering from 225 mg Effexor XR May 17, 2004. (Equiv. to 60 mg Paxil) Last taper Effexor XR Jan 17, 2006 down to ZERO. Currently protracted withdrawal. Sept 2006: 25 mg Doxepin. March 13/09: 10 mg Desipramine

10-27-2005, 12:28 PM	#14
damama Join Date: May 2005 Location: California Posts: 464	Re: Celexa cat, If you start taking celexa, stop taking the paxil. Don't combine the two. I hope all goes smoothly for you. Good luck! __________________ -12/30/05 switched from 10mg generic paxil to 10mg generic celexa

10-28-2005, 02:10 AM	#16
Out of Order Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 264	Re: Celexa thanks Elisa and Laurie. I was not too stable when I wrote those posts. Gee do you think quitting paxil , going on Lexipro and then weaning from Lexipro had anything to do with my irrational statements that came out all wrong?! Believe me I hate Paxil and had a nightmare getting off of it. I was just trying to say I was having some success with my method of taking 2 ADs at the same time, not having serotonin syndrome and hopefully getting off bothof them in a few weeks time. It has been true FOR ME that reducing from Lexipro has been easier than reducing from Paxil. i don't want to force anyone to copy me. Then with the lovely mood swings I've been having somehow my pity-party came into the mix. I am not too stable right now. Please forgive me. I hold you Laurie in the highest regards and Elisa you seem like a very nice person who has personally gone through a lot of what I'm feeling right now. Are my apologies accepted? Liz __________________ drugs I am now taking: Small dose of trazodone, ambien, klonopin. And Neurontin for the occational severe pain I get from the Tendinitis I have in my shoulders which may may be complicated by a rotator cuff injury. I'm not having any surgery tho!

10-28-2005, 10:55 AM	#17
scotty Administrator & Advocate Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: new jersey Posts: 38,590	Re: Celexa No apology needed. Just didn't want you to feel left out!! __________________ AKA Laurie "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." ~Frank A. Clark

10-28-2005, 11:18 AM	#18
rdjanis "has a lavender scented keyboard" Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ontario Posts: 22,238	Re: Celexa outoforder, I am piping in here late but have been extremely busy. Don't feel like you don't fit here...please. What makes this place special to me is the fact that we have a large group of people on various medications, some withdrawing and some not. This enables help for everyone. Your experience and opinions are as important as anyone elses. __________________ Rita

10-28-2005, 03:10 PM	#19
elisa Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 11,509	Re: Celexa No apologies needed here. We don't judge and know how hard withdrawl can hit us emotionally and physically. __________________ On A/D's since 1995, switching due to side-effects on 30 different brands of TCA's, SSRI's, SNRI's, Antipsychotics, Benzo's & Imovane. 6 ECT's. Tapering from 225 mg Effexor XR May 17, 2004. (Equiv. to 60 mg Paxil) Last taper Effexor XR Jan 17, 2006 down to ZERO. Currently protracted withdrawal. Sept 2006: 25 mg Doxepin. March 13/09: 10 mg Desipramine

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