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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jen111111111 on November 3, 2000, at 18:31:48
I'm having a terrible time. Celexa quit working after being on it for one year. I went to my doctor and he put me on Effexor. It's been 3 weeks and I still feel like shit. I'm crying every night and feel hopeless. Last night was horrible. I went off on two friends I've had since childhood. They know I'm on an AD, but just don't understand what I'm going through. My "problem" is that I have NO desire to see people from my past. I've had some traumatic experiences and now I just shun everything and everyone that has known me a long time.
When will this new AD kick in??? I need help.
Posted by R.Anne on November 3, 2000, at 20:06:22
In reply to Switched from Celexa to Effexor , posted by Jen111111111 on November 3, 2000, at 18:31:48
> I'm having a terrible time. Celexa quit working after being on it for one year. I went to my doctor and he put me on Effexor. It's been 3 weeks and I still feel like shit. I'm crying every night and feel hopeless. Last night was horrible. I went off on two friends I've had since childhood. They know I'm on an AD, but just don't understand what I'm going through. My "problem" is that I have NO desire to see people from my past. I've had some traumatic experiences and now I just shun everything and everyone that has known me a long time.
>
> When will this new AD kick in??? I need help.******
Sorry to hear you are having such a bad time now. I wonder if you are on a dose that is effective for you-if I were you I would consult my doctor. Try giving him or her a call about it.
Posted by tenuous on November 4, 2000, at 6:39:00
In reply to Re: Switched from Celexa to Effexor , posted by R.Anne on November 3, 2000, at 20:06:22
If you have been reading the archives about Effexor, you will probably have noticed a pattern. The vast majority of those for whom Effexor worked noticed at least partial improvement during the first week. Unless you are still on a ridiculously low dose (say under 75mg) I don't think that this is the right AD for you. I'd call the doc first thing Monday and ask for a switch to something else. The misery you feel is treatable; don't stop searching for relief. I truly hope that you are successful on your next AD trial.
disclaimer: As always, your doctor knows you better than I do and you know yourself better than your doctor. Use your best judgement.
Posted by Noa on November 4, 2000, at 10:30:35
In reply to Re: Switched from Celexa to Effexor-switch again? , posted by tenuous on November 4, 2000, at 6:39:00
Sorry you are suffering. Does your doctor know how bad you feel?
I would also wonder if the dose is sufficient.
Also, as always, I feel compelled to ask: Have you had your thyroid checked?
Posted by Jen111111111 on November 4, 2000, at 16:21:35
In reply to Re: Switched from Celexa to Effexor-switch again? , posted by Noa on November 4, 2000, at 10:30:35
Thank you for the posts. I'm on 75mg right now. I felt better the first week or so, but it just seems like it's not working now. Celexa (20mg) worked very well for the last year. It was the first AD I have taken. I thought I was going crazy when it quit working. I haven't called my doc yet, but I think I might. Also, I made my first appointment with a counselor. This is a huge step for me. I've refused to go in the past, but I think it is time I gave in. The strangest part is that I feel fine when I'm at work. It's when I get home (I live alone) that I feel like I'm in a black hole.
Posted by R.Anne on November 4, 2000, at 17:32:28
In reply to Re: Switched from Celexa to Effexor-switch again? , posted by Jen111111111 on November 4, 2000, at 16:21:35
I can definitely relate to the black hole part. When I'm busy I feel better and then when I sit down and start thinking I start sinking. One thing I do is to try to combat my negative thoughts by having self-dialogue. For instance, if, in my mind, I call myself a name I then tell myself that it's not true and then I try to think of something good about myself or accomplishments. In other words, I try to talk back to myself like a good friend would. I, too, am going to have to get a therapist. I have too many issues to address on my own right now. I've been putting it off because I didn't have good luck with a couple of them. I guess I just have to keep on trying.
Posted by tenuous on November 5, 2000, at 5:16:12
In reply to Re: Switched from Celexa to Effexor-switch again? , posted by Jen111111111 on November 4, 2000, at 16:21:35
I had the same effect that you described; felt better the first week, then dropped back down. I had my dose upped. I'm now on 225mg/day and it's working great. The side effects are minimal: I still need 50mg of trazadone to fall asleep, but I no longer wake up after only 4 hours: I sleep for 7 hours! I have had more consecutive days of feeling normal now than I've had in the last 20 years. I REALLY hope this drug never poops out. I'm willing to be on it for the rest of my life if I can just have a normal life like everyone else.
Anyway, since you had some response, why don't you just ask for a dosage increase? The conservative dosages on this medication are in the range of 150mg - 225mg. It is not unheard of to go substantially higher. Is your doctor experienced with prescribing this particular med? It may be worthwhile to find a doctor who will be more aggressive in treating your symptoms. You don't want to drag out the process any longer than necessary.
> I'm on 75mg right now. I felt better the first week or so, but it just seems like it's not working now. Celexa (20mg) worked very well for the last year. It was the first AD I have taken. I thought I was going crazy when it quit working. I haven't called my doc yet, but I think I might. Also, I made my first appointment with a counselor. This is a huge step for me. I've refused to go in the past, but I think it is time I gave in. The strangest part is that I feel fine when I'm at work. It's when I get home (I live alone) that I feel like I'm in a black hole.
Posted by noa on November 5, 2000, at 10:05:18
In reply to Re: Switched from Celexa to Effexor-try more , posted by tenuous on November 5, 2000, at 5:16:12
I have usually felt better at work, too. I think being busy, having structure, feeling useful, having a purpose, etc. really helps. Also, at work, I think I get into that *role*--my professional self, rather than the self that is lonely and hurting, etc.
Even so, there have always been "low" days, when I have less initiative, etc. at work. But I somehow managed to have those and then make up for them on more productive days.
Another thing about work is the social contact. Being alone for too long can induce depression for me. Weekends are tough sometimes, because I get into the hermit mode--lack of initiative to get out and do something, and then I start to sink.
I knew my depression was really bad, though, when I started to bomb at work--coming in late, missing lots of days, hiding in my office and getting very little done, etc. Thank goodness that is over now.
Posted by Christina on November 8, 2000, at 15:41:34
In reply to Re: Switched from Celexa to Effexor-try more , posted by tenuous on November 5, 2000, at 5:16:12
I was on Celexa and doing well, but my insurance company wouldn't cover it, so I swithced to Effexor (225 mg).
It helped my depression, but I was so tired I couldn't function.
So I'm back on Celexa, and feeling OK (not great, but OK).
Therapy may benefit you since your depression seems to increase when you return home to an empty house.
I've been there.... and I feel for you.
This may sound strange, but have you considered a dog?
There's almost nothing better than walking into an empty house to a dog (or two in my case) who is bursting at the seams with happiness to see you!!Plus they make you focus on them immediately instead of the house, so it helps alleviate some of the anxiety of "ok i'm home alone, what do I do now?"
Posted by Jen111111111 on November 8, 2000, at 19:07:58
In reply to Celexa to Effexor to Celexa , posted by Christina on November 8, 2000, at 15:41:34
> I was on Celexa and doing well, but my insurance company wouldn't cover it, so I swithced to Effexor (225 mg).
> It helped my depression, but I was so tired I couldn't function.
> So I'm back on Celexa, and feeling OK (not great, but OK).
> Therapy may benefit you since your depression seems to increase when you return home to an empty house.
> I've been there.... and I feel for you.
> This may sound strange, but have you considered a dog?
> There's almost nothing better than walking into an empty house to a dog (or two in my case) who is bursting at the seams with happiness to see you!!
>
> Plus they make you focus on them immediately instead of the house, so it helps alleviate some of the anxiety of "ok i'm home alone, what do I do now?"Your post made me smile. I got a dog a month ago. I went to the shelter and couldn't leave without him. He is just the best!!! When I'm feeling down I play with the dog and I immediatly get a smile on my face.
As for Celexa....I wish I could go back on it. I did really well for the past year, but it simply stopped working.
I did go see a therapist the other day. He was recommended by a friend. He seems to think I'm suffering from PTSD. It makes sense to me. I went through a horrible ordeal a few years back. I'm going to continue to make appointments, I think it may help. The Effexor does keep me going day to day. Otherwise I'd be committed by now.
Thanks again for your post. I think I'll go play with Freddie (my dog). :)
Posted by noa on November 9, 2000, at 6:01:40
In reply to Celexa to Effexor to Celexa , posted by Christina on November 8, 2000, at 15:41:34
> I was on Celexa and doing well, but my insurance company wouldn't cover it, so I swithced to Effexor (225 mg).
Have you tried having your pdoc appeal this lack of coverage for Celexa? I think he could write a letter stating that it is the correct medication for you and has no substitutes that work without debilitating side effects. I think it is worth a try, anyway.
Posted by LD on November 9, 2000, at 8:48:51
In reply to Re: Celexa to Effexor to Celexa , posted by noa on November 9, 2000, at 6:01:40
Hi Jen,
I too was on Celexa and it stopped working for me (after about 6 months) and switched to Effexor. It took awhile to get up to the dose that is working (225mg), so you probably need to go higher. Also something I realized once I got to a new therapist, was that I had so many emotional problems that I wasnt facing, and the Celexa made me feel good for a while, but soon because I wasnt facing my problems, the medication couldnt mask the pain any longer. I suggest really trying to get to the root of your pain and trying intense therapy. Over the past 9 months I have been in intense pyschotherapy, and I truly feel like a new person. I definitely couldnt have done it without the effexor holding me together, but slowly the pain and anger are subsiding. The AD can only hold you up on their own for so long. You must work on the inside too. I also was diagnosed with PTSD due to a traumaic childhood.Good luck. Try going up on the Effexor and working through you PTSD.
Ld
Posted by Christina on November 10, 2000, at 18:22:45
In reply to Re: Celexa to Effexor to Celexa , posted by LD on November 9, 2000, at 8:48:51
Noa.. in response to your post, my pdoc is appealing to my insurance company to get them to cover Celexa. They cover Effexor, and he said that's more expensive! Whatever!!
Also, I'm glad that Jen is going to see a therapist. Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking medication can cure problems that need expert psychotherapy.. much the same way that I spent years in therapy for problems that were later diagnosed as largely chemical. Had I seen a psychiatrist who specialized in psychopharmacology instead of a therapist who insisted my problems were the result of my upbringing (I had a pleasant childhood) I probably would have saved a gazillion dollars and suffered much less.
So to everyone who struggling to find their peace, I wish you all well.
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