Posted by Patient on September 7, 2004, at 13:19:52
In reply to Calcium causing depress./apathy etc.?Larry, Others, posted by Jasmineneroli on September 6, 2004, at 23:04:30
Hi,
There is no way to know for certain what is causing these symptoms for it could easily be from Celexa or/and clonazepam, which have both been known to cause apathy and fatigue which in itself can lead a depressed feeling, especially when these medicines are used for long periods. How long have you been taking Celexa and clonazepam?
I couldn't quite figure out how much total magnesium (300mg?) and total calcium (500mg?)you are taking from what you said, but as a general rule, calcium and magnesium supplementation are usually taken in a 2:1 or 2:1.5 ratio for proper assimilation. Calcium does have a calming effect, which is why it is best taken at bedtime. I take a product that contains 500mg calcium (as carbonate, citrate, aspartate, ascorbate, succinate, malate, histidinate, gluconate). Magnesium 250mg (as oxide citrate, aspartate ascorbate, fumarate, succinate, malate, histidinate, gluconate). Vitamin D (ergocalciferol) 100IU (vitaminshoppes product "Osteo-Support"). Vitamin D is needed for calcium utilisation. I take it at bedtime on occasion. Try taking the calcium at bedtime when you take magnesium to see if this helps. Since calcium can act as a tranquilizer, you can try substituting it for the clonazepam during the day. If you've been on Klonopin for a long time, it is wise to reduce slowly from this benzodiazepine to reduce any withdrawal effects.
Another option is to change brands, or to try kelp instead-contains both calcium and magnesium in a plant based form which is easily absorbed, or stop the supplements all together and after a week or two see how you feel.
Yes, calcium is needed in the transmission of nerve impulses, but as for targeting certain neurotransmitters, I don't know.
I don't want to appear to counter what you think is causing these symptoms-for the patient always knows his or her own day to day reactions, but I'd suggest keeping a drug/supplement journal as well-sometimes we take something, a reaction occurs and we think "Aha, that must be it", when it could just be a coincidence. It's happened to me many times. Could the symptoms you describe be from airborne allergies, for instance, since seasonal allergies can also cause these same symptoms? Just a thought.
Regards, Lisa aka "other" ; )
poster:Patient
thread:387415
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040901/msgs/387663.html