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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 182 to 206 of 206. Go back in thread:
Posted by KB on August 4, 2001, at 9:11:32
In reply to Re: Celexa Side Effects, posted by KARAsweet on March 14, 2001, at 17:49:55
This is a weird question, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced attacks of uncontrollable laughing
and silliness while on SSRIs . . . for example, yesterday I was on the subway with a friend and we were discussing the aggressive behavior of my new cat, and I suddenly started laughing and couldn't stop, even once he got off the train, I had to hold a book in front of my face . . . it seemed kind of weird and other people on the train looked worried. I was sad for so long before taking Celexa that I keep wondering if this is just what it's like to be happy or if I'm bugging out.
Posted by Else on August 4, 2001, at 9:25:10
In reply to Laughing Attacks - help!, posted by KB on August 4, 2001, at 9:11:32
I read about that. Doctors have successfully used Depakote to treat this problem . You're probably having an atypical reaction to the drug. Tell your doctor.
http://biopsychiatry.com/vallaugh.htm
> This is a weird question, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced attacks of uncontrollable laughing
> and silliness while on SSRIs . . . for example, yesterday I was on the subway with a friend and we were discussing the aggressive behavior of my new cat, and I suddenly started laughing and couldn't stop, even once he got off the train, I had to hold a book in front of my face . . . it seemed kind of weird and other people on the train looked worried. I was sad for so long before taking Celexa that I keep wondering if this is just what it's like to be happy or if I'm bugging out.
Posted by Else on August 4, 2001, at 9:28:44
In reply to Re: Laughing Attacks - help! » KB, posted by Else on August 4, 2001, at 9:25:10
If you did check out that link, you may have noticed that Depakote *caused* the problem but did not solve it. I am sorry for the mix up. I haven't had my morning coffee yet.
> I read about that. Doctors have successfully used Depakote to treat this problem . You're probably having an atypical reaction to the drug. Tell your doctor.
>
>
> http://biopsychiatry.com/vallaugh.htm
>
>
> > This is a weird question, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced attacks of uncontrollable laughing
> > and silliness while on SSRIs . . . for example, yesterday I was on the subway with a friend and we were discussing the aggressive behavior of my new cat, and I suddenly started laughing and couldn't stop, even once he got off the train, I had to hold a book in front of my face . . . it seemed kind of weird and other people on the train looked worried. I was sad for so long before taking Celexa that I keep wondering if this is just what it's like to be happy or if I'm bugging out.
Posted by dreamer on August 4, 2001, at 10:41:02
In reply to Laughing Attacks - help!, posted by KB on August 4, 2001, at 9:11:32
> This is a weird question, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced attacks of uncontrollable laughing
> and silliness while on SSRIs . . . for example, yesterday I was on the subway with a friend and we were discussing the aggressive behavior of my new cat, and I suddenly started laughing and couldn't stop, even once he got off the train, I had to hold a book in front of my face . . . it seemed kind of weird and other people on the train looked worried. I was sad for so long before taking Celexa that I keep wondering if this is just what it's like to be happy or if I'm bugging out.
Posted by Mitch on August 4, 2001, at 10:53:49
In reply to Laughing Attacks - help!, posted by KB on August 4, 2001, at 9:11:32
> This is a weird question, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced attacks of uncontrollable laughing
> and silliness while on SSRIs . . . for example, yesterday I was on the subway with a friend and we were discussing the aggressive behavior of my new cat, and I suddenly started laughing and couldn't stop, even once he got off the train, I had to hold a book in front of my face . . . it seemed kind of weird and other people on the train looked worried. I was sad for so long before taking Celexa that I keep wondering if this is just what it's like to be happy or if I'm bugging out.Oh yes- one hundred percent absolutely! That is the exact reaction I get from taking them at times. I think Elizabeth told me that it sounded like I was stoned on pot! IT IS. I am off SSri now and I am not experiencing that. I read somewhere that the extra serotonin activates some part of the brain that has to do with your sense of humour. There is a rare seizure disorder called gelastic epilepsy that has symptoms of uncontrolled sometimes unconscious laughing, but that is unlikely. I have bipolar, so my theory it is just triggering hypomania in my case.
Mitch
Posted by KB on August 4, 2001, at 17:30:11
In reply to Re: Laughing Attacks - enjoy ! [np], posted by dreamer on August 4, 2001, at 10:41:02
I would just enjoy them - I have been, in fact, but I am a professional counselor. I've been at home since the end of June trying to get un-crazy, but I'm returning to work next week and am a little worried about laughing uncontrollably in the middle of a homeless kid's life story (also a little worried about yawning, which Celexa also does to me) - the sweating I think I can get away with - it IS August!!!
Posted by Else on August 4, 2001, at 17:34:19
In reply to Re: Laughing Attacks - enjoy ! [np], posted by KB on August 4, 2001, at 17:30:11
I know pathological laughter can be a symptom of MS. I don't mean to suggest that you have it, just that perhaps a neurologist would know how to treat this. Maybe switching to a non-serotonergic AD would work. This does remind me of the effect of pot and pot does act on serotonin if I recall correctly.
Best wishes
> I would just enjoy them - I have been, in fact, but I am a professional counselor. I've been at home since the end of June trying to get un-crazy, but I'm returning to work next week and am a little worried about laughing uncontrollably in the middle of a homeless kid's life story (also a little worried about yawning, which Celexa also does to me) - the sweating I think I can get away with - it IS August!!!
Posted by Drexxie on August 4, 2001, at 19:28:04
In reply to Re: Laughing Attacks - enjoy ! [np], posted by dreamer on August 4, 2001, at 10:41:02
Wow! It's so odd actually reading about others going
through something I have endured for as long as I can remember!When I was a teen, my parents, teachers, eders, whomever, just thought it was
some sort of "phase" of which I'd grow out when older. Nahh... never did.I will laugh at the most ordinary things for who knows how long (other than the fact that it's "too long")
I've a second cousin who is exactly the same way. To this day, if something/anything/whatever gets one of us going...
well, I'm certain you can imagine.This type of thing has been going on, as metioned earler, for just as long as I can remember. At one time a pdoc told me
that he thought it was something of the sort like, inappropriate reaction to stress (even though I obviously didn't know when laughng that
it was in regards to anything of the sort.)When younger I could be in some sort of "trouble" and my father, mother or the principal of the school of which I attended would, when discussing
whatever if was I "SUPPOSEDLY" (giggle) had done, would set me into a fit of laughter! And this would go on and on and on... the more serious it got, the more I would laugh!
All the while I'm trying to stop, but simply, the more I tried the more I laughed.
At times, the muscles on my sides would knot in laughter... The more they hurt, the more I laughed!
The "problem" seemed to be worse when in situations, such a church (I'd be a lector waiting to read, sitting at the alter) when my bursting out laughing was really something which
shouldn't be happening!Okay... yeah... I'm telling too much on myself. But, why I do this has always been an issue with me and now that I'm older and still behaving this way, on ocassion (I too try to hide the fact that I'm laughing... Once I even told a man that I was crying just so I'd appear what I
considered to be, "less strange".Honestly, it's definitely a problem that I've, at times, found truly embarrassing and well, excuse the pun, but definitey not a laughing matter!
Knowing I'll laugh like I'm insane about this entire topic later...
-DrexxieAddendum: At the times metioned above, I wasn't on any meds.
And with me now taking a plethora of them...
it tdoesn't seems any different in regards to
my often very rude and inappropriate fits of laughter.
If anyone knows more on this topic... I, for one, would love to know what is said!
I'd happily take a med for this if only it wouldn't result in my getting more "goofy"
in other areas....
Posted by Mitch on August 4, 2001, at 23:29:12
In reply to If only it were always a laughing matter (sigh)., posted by Drexxie on August 4, 2001, at 19:28:04
> Wow! It's so odd actually reading about others going
> through something I have endured for as long as I can remember!
>
This may be a little dated, but there was a classic episode on the Mary Tyler Moore show back in the late 70's where "Chuckles the Clown" died and there was this inappropriate laughter skit that ensues at the funeral parlor for the viewing. It is fantastic!If you can check it out-see it if possible-highly therapeutic!
Ok, it is something like a full moon.
Mitch
Posted by Drexxie on August 5, 2001, at 2:12:24
In reply to Re: If only it were always a laughing matter (sigh). » Drexxie, posted by Mitch on August 4, 2001, at 23:29:12
Really?! I have got to find that episode!
Seriously, I know that it'd a minimum leave me
feeling less sickly, freakish- I've often
scared myself at some of the things at which
I've laughed to the point of bending over at the
waist, as tears streamed down my convulsing face!Mitch, it's so bad that when I read your message
and thought of Mary and the gang dealing with the
clowns death, I started laughing hysterically at
just the thought of such a thing (still laughing,
but tying to type all the while!)Sheesh! I've always felt like such a demented
misfit (remember Rudolf and the land of Misfit toys?
Yeh... talk about dated? [ha ha} Anyhow, that's always
where I felt that I belonged as a result of this
inappropriate laughter.I've laughed at things that weren't funny (still do)
and couldn't stop (still can't). It truly is a reaction
that doesn't always fit in, yah know? I laugh more at
that which is DEFINITELy NOT FUNNY than I do at that
which is socially considered to be so.If they have a drug for this type of behavior, I'd
without a doubt, want to take it (only under the conditional,
"it won't screw me up even more," clause, of course!)Jeez.. just thinking about how pathetic often appears to me and
all the psych problems I have will put me in hysterics...
Speaking of which... I'd better stop! (hee hee)Thanks so much for the message, Mitch! (big smle)
-DrexxieAddendum: If anyone out there in cyber land has heard of some helpful
med., please, let me know. Were there such a pill, I'd no doubt lose
the tight ab muscles (credited to fits of laughter), but in trade, I'd
possibly gain back a few friends.... (already trying not to laugh at these things which aren't funny!)Does anyone out there have any better an idea what all this Laughing is about and
if medical treatment options are currently available?
> > Wow! It's so odd actually reading about others going
> > through something I have endured for as long as I can remember!
> >
>
>
> This may be a little dated, but there was a classic episode on the Mary Tyler Moore show back in the late 70's where "Chuckles the Clown" died and there was this inappropriate laughter skit that ensues at the funeral parlor for the viewing. It is fantastic!
>
> If you can check it out-see it if possible-highly therapeutic!
>
> Ok, it is something like a full moon.
>
> Mitch
Posted by Mitch on August 5, 2001, at 9:43:43
In reply to I wonder if that's why it's called the Funny Farm? » Mitch, posted by Drexxie on August 5, 2001, at 2:12:24
> Addendum: If anyone out there in cyber land has heard of some helpful
> med., please, let me know. Were there such a pill, I'd no doubt lose
> the tight ab muscles (credited to fits of laughter), but in trade, I'd
> possibly gain back a few friends.... (already trying not to laugh at these things which aren't funny!)
>
> Does anyone out there have any better an idea what all this Laughing is about and
> if medical treatment options are currently available?Drex, There IS something that can stop that. You said that you took Celexa right and it caused it (I think you are the are the one on C). You might reduce the dose or try something different. You know this is weird, but when I tried Luvox it did the same thing to me. I would start to laugh real hard, but it was so intense no sound would come out and my face would just get real red, and then I felt like I was going to have a panic attack! very weird. Can't take SSri's.
Oh, there IS a med that might stop it. When I was taking Adderall for my ADHD, I got VERY quiet and the inappropriate laughing stopped. I think some of that relates to the ADHD symptom of interrupting others, changing the subject, not listening, etc. It also is used to treat gelastic epilepsy (the uncontrolled/unconcscious laughing) which is a form of a complex partial seizure. Serotonin meds make it worse for sure, though.
Mitch
Posted by Drexxie on August 6, 2001, at 11:22:54
In reply to Re: I wonder if that's why it's called the Funny Farm? » Drexxie, posted by Mitch on August 5, 2001, at 9:43:43
Mitch,
Great information you gave me! Thanks! You're right re the Celexa; I'm taking mgs day, actually (plus numerous other drugs).
What's most interesting to me, is that since I have been taking Adderall 60mgs day, my out-of-control laughing has lessened, much as did yours!
I'm soon to be tapering off of my ADs, both Celexa and Wellbutrin. Perhaps, the Luvox is something I should ask my doctor to consider when writing me new ADs (Another one that has been recommended is Provigil.).
As I'm currently tapering switching my nightyly dose of Dexedrine to Desoxyn, it'll probably take a while before I get all the changes in play. Nevertheless, it sounds as though I might be having less problem with the "laughing attacks."
I'm never to certain, however, as these "attacks" have been a concern of mine, even before beginning any type of medication. Consequently, it very well may be that I've just some out-of-control, goofy sense of humor. Even if so, it's a good thing there are meds which can help keep things a little less embarrassing when some odd thing does strike me as "funny" (grin).
Best Wishes! (big smile)
-Drexxie
Posted by Mitch on August 6, 2001, at 11:29:31
In reply to Re: I wonder if that's why it's called the Funny Farm? » Mitch, posted by Drexxie on August 6, 2001, at 11:22:54
Drex,
Just a couple of things: 1) The Luvox *caused* laughing attacks as well as did all the SSRi's. The less selective ones for serotonin such as Zoloft just made me grin a lot not laugh! 2) The Desoxyn *might* not work as well for them as Dexedrine.
Just an FYI,
Mitch
Posted by Drexxie on August 6, 2001, at 14:18:40
In reply to Re: I wonder if that's why it's called the Funny Farm? » Drexxie, posted by Mitch on August 6, 2001, at 11:29:31
Ahh... I see (smile)
Thank you, Mitch, for reiterating that for me.
That'd be typical Drex to confuse things and end up making things worse... (giggle) One nice thing about all of this... I can always laugh at myself! (ha ha)Regarding the Desoxyn, I'm curious as to why it might not help with the "laughing attacks" as well as the Dexedrine. Is it a lack of specific chemicals, or ... ? Do you know? If so, I'd find it interesting to know (never know when such info might benefit me in the future)
Many thanks! (big smile)
-Drex
Posted by Mitch on August 7, 2001, at 0:16:01
In reply to Re: I wonder if that's why it's called the Funny Farm? » Mitch, posted by Drexxie on August 6, 2001, at 14:18:40
> Regarding the Desoxyn, I'm curious as to why it might not help with the "laughing attacks" as well as the Dexedrine. Is it a lack of specific chemicals, or ... ? Do you know? If so, I'd find it interesting to know (never know when such info might benefit me in the future)
>
> Many thanks! (big smile)
> -DrexIt is just that Dexedrine is used specifically for gelastic epilepsy (the uncontrolled unconscious laughing spells). The Desoxyn might work just as well though. I am thinking this is an ADHD phenomenon more than an epilepsy-thing.
Mitch
Posted by Drexxie on August 7, 2001, at 0:59:18
In reply to Re: I wonder if that's why it's called the Funny Farm? » Drexxie, posted by Mitch on August 7, 2001, at 0:16:01
This is truly interesting, Mitch!
I'd no idea that these laughing spells of mine were anything other than my general lack of control (that's one of the few constant threads I've found running throughout my life [grin]).
Nevertheless, when given a bit more thought, I can plainly see that these 'fits,' 'spells,' 'attacks,' (whatever the best term for them may be) were truly beyond my control.... As, there were myriad times when I would have done anything within my power to stop laughing. yet couldn't. All I sucessfully was able to do, it seems, was to get into even more trouble!
I've not given much thought to my behavior in such regard, in quite a while. Perhaps, the reason, my being so long on the Dexedrine. I had forgotten just how much I worried about these laughing spells. I remember now, that I'd not go to certain places for fear that I'd start laughing and get into trouble with my parents. Strange, that the more serious the situation I found myself in, the more likely I'd fall into fits of laughter... Must be somehow stress related, eh?
Jeez... Perhaps, I wasn't quite as horrible a kiddo as I once thought myself. I do recall thinking that I must be a very cruel person for laughing at some of the things which I did. Hmm...
If the Desoxyn leaves me prone to spells of outlandish laughter, I won't be off Dexedrine for long, that's for certain! Oh no... I dread the thought of how bad it'd be if I laughed even more than I do now! Now there's something I'd definitely say would not be funny!
-Drex
> It is just that Dexedrine is used specifically for gelastic epilepsy (the uncontrolled unconscious laughing spells). The Desoxyn might work just as well though. I am thinking this is an ADHD phenomenon more than an epilepsy-thing.
>
> Mitch
Posted by tweetybird on February 9, 2002, at 11:38:36
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by TOM on March 17, 2000, at 9:47:39
>Hi just to say on a positive note about Celexa.
I was on it for about 2 years when it fizzled out on me during a time of extreme stress or so we all thought, anyway I had no side effects whatsoever nothing nada, I kept weight off until I had to go on Risperdal and then the weight came on, I had no sexual side effects at all and lots of energy and motivation, could sleep great and no social phobias at all,
I had to go off of it because of the fizzled out probem and go on remeron which didnt work for me, after trying it for 5 weeks the pdoc changed me and put me on effexor xr and that didn't work after being on it for 6 weeks, now I am back on Celexa with the thinking that the extra stress I had caused the pill not to work so I should have had an add on instead of going off of it completely,
I am so happy now that I am back on it and still no side effects, I feel great after a long haul of being so very depressed and stressed, I have a problem with dealing with stress, and after trying different drugs which didn't work,
I have only been on it now for about a week and already notice a difference on only 20 mgs which after seeing the pdoc on tuesday will go up to 40mgs,
Just to say that effexor is a terrible drug and very scary drug to be on and withdraw from, had avery hard time on it and coming off of it and am very glad to be off of it let me tell you.!!!
Is there anyone else who experienced the same wonderful feelings I had and have on Celexa?
>
Posted by IsoM on February 9, 2002, at 13:28:10
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by tweetybird on February 9, 2002, at 11:38:36
Posted by Daveman on February 13, 2002, at 1:20:56
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by tweetybird on February 9, 2002, at 11:38:36
Don't know that I'd go as far as "wonderful", but Celexa has been a very effective med for me. I was put on it last year during a serious bout with depression/anxiety/insomnia, which it stopped. After a year stable at 40 mg. I have recently tapered to 20 mg. with no noticeable withdrawal. Side effects: Weight gain, interruption of sleep cycle, sexual interference which dissipated somewhat over time and now, at 20 mg., has disappeared. All in all, a positive experience in this corner.
Dave
Posted by Been-There on September 24, 2003, at 10:07:02
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Daveman on February 13, 2002, at 1:20:56
This drug is not fit for a rat. I used to take it and it's side effects were horrible! I ended up passing out a total of three times while taking it and coming closed to it several other times in the period of time as well. ( I read at other sites that this same thing happened to others on celexa too) The toxic med gave me horrible acid reflux which nothing would help. Nightsweats and full body tingling happening often. One night, I passed out right infront of my kids and had to have my sister take me to the hospital. After that, enough was enough and I quit the medicine. I refuse to ever take another anti-anxiety medication again. I have never gotten anything out of that kind of medicine but grief. I have tried several kinds for my anxiety and ADD and now I am living with a mild form of epilepsy as a result from taking prozac when I was real young What a horrible experience?
This is your body. Be careful what you put into it. Always check the side effects before using. research. Many psyc medications cause heart problems. Many cause seizures that will never go away even when you stop using the meds. I was lucky I quit the medication before my seizure disorder happened on both sides of my brain or before it could damage my heart or another part of my body. I woke up. Now it's your turn to do your homework.
Posted by Been-There on September 24, 2003, at 10:07:26
In reply to Re: celexa, posted by Daveman on February 13, 2002, at 1:20:56
This drug is not fit for a rat. I used to take it and it's side effects were horrible! I ended up passing out a total of three times while taking it and coming closed to it several other times in the period of time as well. ( I read at other sites that this same thing happened to others on celexa too) The toxic med gave me horrible acid reflux which nothing would help. Nightsweats and full body tingling happening often. One night, I passed out right infront of my kids and had to have my sister take me to the hospital. After that, enough was enough and I quit the medicine. I refuse to ever take another anti-anxiety medication again. I have never gotten anything out of that kind of medicine but grief. I have tried several kinds for my anxiety and ADD and now I am living with a mild form of epilepsy as a result from taking prozac when I was real young What a horrible experience?
This is your body. Be careful what you put into it. Always check the side effects before using. research. Many psyc medications cause heart problems. Many cause seizures that will never go away even when you stop using the meds. I was lucky I quit the medication before my seizure disorder happened on both sides of my brain or before it could damage my heart or another part of my body. I woke up. Now it's your turn to do your homework.
Posted by ELENI4 on September 27, 2003, at 18:29:09
In reply to Celexa dosing - Robyn, posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2000, at 19:55:38
I think Celexa has a long half-life. I just looked on the patient insert for Celexa and it says the mean terminal half-life is about 35 hrs, much longer than some other antidepressants.
> Robyn - Headaches and tremor are symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Maybe the Celexa at 40mg was overloading your system with serotonin. If the headaches and tremor are just recent (eg within the last week), suddenly getting them after 3 weeks at 40mg is a bit unusual as Celexa is unlikely to build up because of its fairly short half life. A drop by 10mg was probably warranted (tell your doctor). You should expect the headaches and tremor to dissipate within the next week. You are probably just sensitive to the effects of SSRIs (this is not a bad thing). Good luck and keep us posted on your progress - Cam W.
Posted by Pudded on December 15, 2003, at 1:27:34
In reply to Re: celexa - Don't take it! it is toxic, posted by Been-There on September 24, 2003, at 10:07:02
I compleatly agree with you. I have had passing out spells as well. But my pdoc said that it had nothing to do with my meds, so I had to endure a bout of tests such as ekgs, eegs, etc. The results are not in yet. I have very severe body tingling, mostly in my face and scalp, and my eyesight is odd, it's hard to explain, almost like it's delayed by a second or so.
I do have to say that it helped me out of a very dark and scary place (severe depression/anxiety/insomnia/anorexia) but I have been on 40mg of it for over a year now and feel like it is working in reverse now. I am constantly sleeping, having absolutly no energy to do simple everyday tasks, and I've lost my appitite again.
I strongly oppose to it's use as a long term drug.> This drug is not fit for a rat. I used to take it and it's side effects were horrible! I ended up passing out a total of three times while taking it and coming closed to it several other times in the period of time as well. ( I read at other sites that this same thing happened to others on celexa too) The toxic med gave me horrible acid reflux which nothing would help. Nightsweats and full body tingling happening often. One night, I passed out right infront of my kids and had to have my sister take me to the hospital. After that, enough was enough and I quit the medicine. I refuse to ever take another anti-anxiety medication again. I have never gotten anything out of that kind of medicine but grief. I have tried several kinds for my anxiety and ADD and now I am living with a mild form of epilepsy as a result from taking prozac when I was real young What a horrible experience?
>
> This is your body. Be careful what you put into it. Always check the side effects before using. research. Many psyc medications cause heart problems. Many cause seizures that will never go away even when you stop using the meds. I was lucky I quit the medication before my seizure disorder happened on both sides of my brain or before it could damage my heart or another part of my body. I woke up. Now it's your turn to do your homework.
>
>
Posted by laurenn on January 15, 2004, at 18:12:29
In reply to Celexa - blurred vision, posted by trish on May 16, 2000, at 12:07:33
yes, i had experienced blurred vision from ssri's. And even lost peripheral vision due to ssri. I would be HIGHLY concerned if this started happening. My dr. was told by myself about eye problem, and he said don't worry it'll go away in two weeks. Well, guess what , by the time two weeks was up my peripheral vision was gone. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have stopped med, so that eyes could adjust, and not lose any more vision. i would have ignored dr advice. would listen to my gut on this one and not doc. Sometimes they don't know squat.
Posted by Sfilki on July 11, 2007, at 3:10:40
In reply to Celexa Side Effects, posted by Marie on March 19, 2000, at 18:18:55
I have read this old thread by pure accident and want to say that Sentia is very helpful to return woman's sex drive after using Celexa. Loosing sex drive is one of the most guileful side effects of Celexa.
This is the end of the thread.
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