Posted by collegeguy on April 19, 2004, at 1:44:31
In reply to NEVER ENOUGH SLEEP- TO THOSE WHO RESPONDED, posted by MOREL1 on April 18, 2004, at 21:58:09
Celexa (citaprolam) does not affect noradrenaline/norepinephrine levels in any appreciable way. Celexa and its racemic isomer Lexapro (escitaprolam) are probably the most specific of all the SSRIs in affecting only the reuptake of serotonin (i.e. very selective to serotonin).
Also, though Celexa and Lexapro are formulaically identical, their chemical structures are different. Lexapro is the more "useful" isomer of the drug, and it takes less Lexapro to achieve the same effects as a higher dose of citaprolam. As a result, people tend to experience fewer side effects than when on Celexa (because a lower dose of the drug is used).
Have you thought about trying a psychostimulant like Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) or Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)? Normally used to treat ADD/ADHD and narcolepsy, they are also used in certain circumstances "off-label" to treat other disorders like depression. People often find the energy boost of the stimulants an antidepressive in itself.
If you are too sensitive to psychostimulants, you could try a stimulating antidepressant like Wellbutrin, but you'd probably have the same problem with metabolism, since it actually stimulates norepinephrine.
Something else to ask your doctor about is Provigil, which is another drug used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and narcolepsy (and off-label for people who are simply always fatigued). Provigil is non-stimulating, and works by preventing your body from becoming tired. Provigil and other "non-stimulating" stimulants (like Strattera, the ADD drug) might have an antidepressant effect for you simply by giving you more energy.
Effexor XR can also have a stimulating effect if taken in high enough doses.
poster:collegeguy
thread:337560
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040417/msgs/337621.html