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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Michaelho on August 8, 2011, at 7:05:59
Two years ago, I took a substantial overdose of 53 20mg citalopram tablets. I felt fine and went to hospital, who ran some tests confirming I was fine. I went to the doctors afterwards and they did nothing for me. This seemed like a mistake to me, but I was a teenager and didn't voice my fears of going cold turkey.
For the past two years I have felt detached and emotionless, which friends + family have commented upon. I have had no motivation, little interest and have made a lot of mistakes that I would not expect my previous self to make. I still don't know what the overdose did that changed me.
Could an overdose so high result in brain damage or changes to the brain? I have read on here of changes to dopamine levels. Will my neurotransmitter levels be normal, by now? Or, should I get tested to check?
Much Gratitude
Posted by rculater on August 8, 2011, at 8:28:30
In reply to Citalopram overdose, posted by Michaelho on August 8, 2011, at 7:05:59
The brain is good at bouncing back from trauma such as your OD. I doubt it affected anything. I'm not aware of any test to measure neurotransmitter levels. I don't know your history, the detachment empty feeling you describe maybe symptoms of depression. As you OD'd on citalopram- i guess you were prescribed them in the first place ?
Posted by Michaelho on August 8, 2011, at 8:31:40
In reply to Re: Citalopram overdose, posted by rculater on August 8, 2011, at 8:28:30
Prior to taking the antidepressants, I took joy out of many things. While on them this lessened, but I think that is usual when on meds. I was prescribed them. it was for mild depression and severe anxiety. So depression was there but it was less of an issue then the anxiety.
Posted by Phillipa on August 8, 2011, at 10:49:29
In reply to Re: Citalopram overdose, posted by Michaelho on August 8, 2011, at 8:31:40
What caused you to overdose as you say you had mild depression? Phillipa
Posted by Meddy43 on August 8, 2011, at 13:14:33
In reply to Citalopram overdose, posted by Michaelho on August 8, 2011, at 7:05:59
Hi !
I too tend to doubt that the OD did long lasting harm.
Do you have a doctor whom you can trust now ?
Kindly, Meddy43
Posted by Michaelho on August 8, 2011, at 13:50:34
In reply to Re: Citalopram overdose, posted by Meddy43 on August 8, 2011, at 13:14:33
The way I felt while on the meds was what caused the overdose. Yes, I have a doctor I can trust now.
Posted by Michaelho on August 9, 2011, at 5:55:12
In reply to Re: Citalopram overdose, posted by Meddy43 on August 8, 2011, at 13:14:33
Meddy43, is there a question I should ask my doctor? I have told him about the overdose, in the past.
Thanks
Posted by Jeroen on August 9, 2011, at 11:44:28
In reply to Citalopram overdose, posted by Michaelho on August 8, 2011, at 7:05:59
yes an overdose can cause a psychosis or brain damage, too much of that medicine was giving a toxic reaction propably...
Posted by Michaelho on August 9, 2011, at 16:39:01
In reply to Re: Citalopram overdose, posted by Jeroen on August 9, 2011, at 11:44:28
Should I be concerned then Jeroen?
Posted by Jeroen on August 9, 2011, at 16:47:21
In reply to Re: Citalopram overdose, posted by Michaelho on August 9, 2011, at 16:39:01
yes, you should, if you're not feeling right or have a chance in mental state, after that overdose it means drug induced psychosis or brain damage...
Posted by Michaelho on August 9, 2011, at 17:04:55
In reply to yes, posted by Jeroen on August 9, 2011, at 16:47:21
What should I do then? Can I see anyone about this? A neurologist, perhaps?
Posted by linkadge on August 9, 2011, at 19:08:33
In reply to Re: yes, posted by Michaelho on August 9, 2011, at 17:04:55
Overdosing on a medication does not necessarily equate to irreversable brain damage.
The degree of toxicity depends on the drug and the dose.
Compared with the TCAs (and other SSRIs for that matter), citalopram is not all that toxic.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on August 9, 2011, at 20:02:35
In reply to Re: No!, posted by linkadge on August 9, 2011, at 19:08:33
I second what Link said don't feel it's brain damage. And yes tell your current doc. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on August 9, 2011, at 21:17:34
In reply to yes, posted by Jeroen on August 9, 2011, at 16:47:21
Jeroen posted Sunny's picture for you on facebook. Sorry hijak:( Phillipa
Posted by Michaelho on August 10, 2011, at 3:03:22
In reply to Re: No!, posted by Phillipa on August 9, 2011, at 20:02:35
What are the chances then? I swallowed 53 20mg tablets or 1.06g.
Posted by Michaelho on August 10, 2011, at 3:24:43
In reply to Re: yes » Jeroen, posted by Phillipa on August 9, 2011, at 21:17:34
By the way, the psychosis concerns me as well as potential brain damage.
Posted by Jeroen on August 10, 2011, at 4:19:32
In reply to Citalopram overdose, posted by Michaelho on August 8, 2011, at 7:05:59
i think you had a toxic psychosis, thats is still going on, but might get fixed with anti psychotic treatment, im no doctor, but ever heared of seratonin syndrome? or maybe its just f*ck*d up :(
Posted by Michaelho on August 10, 2011, at 7:12:51
In reply to toxic psychosis, posted by Jeroen on August 10, 2011, at 4:19:32
Is tehre any tests I can get for changes to the brain or damage?
Posted by Michaelho on August 10, 2011, at 7:13:05
In reply to toxic psychosis, posted by Jeroen on August 10, 2011, at 4:19:32
there*
Posted by Michaelho on August 11, 2011, at 10:42:12
In reply to Re: toxic psychosis, posted by Michaelho on August 10, 2011, at 7:13:05
bump...
Posted by Jeroen on August 11, 2011, at 10:51:19
In reply to Re: toxic psychosis, posted by Michaelho on August 11, 2011, at 10:42:12
Michael if you're experiencing hallucinations, paranoia, confusion at this moment?
Posted by Michaelho on August 11, 2011, at 11:25:59
In reply to To Michael, posted by Jeroen on August 11, 2011, at 10:51:19
I don't know about the halluciantions, I can definitely relate to the latter two though. Once again, can I get test's on the brain for any changes (or damage..) from the overdose? I think it's not that I am massively imbalanced, just a little bit perhaps.
Thanks
Posted by Jeroen on August 11, 2011, at 11:34:45
In reply to Re: To Michael, posted by Michaelho on August 11, 2011, at 11:25:59
there are special scans out there, but i think its only for researchers, you will have to google it... i dont think a normal pet scan will reveal brain damage or changes, beause i have TD and it didnt show up in the scan lol (apes)
Posted by Michaelho on August 11, 2011, at 11:41:17
In reply to Re: To Michael, posted by Jeroen on August 11, 2011, at 11:34:45
Thank you so much for all your help everyone. I never thought I would get so much helpful, supportive advice. I think we can end this discussion now. I will go to the doctors.
Thanks again
Posted by Michaelho on October 22, 2011, at 7:53:50
In reply to Citalopram overdose, posted by Michaelho on August 8, 2011, at 7:05:59
What type of brain scan should I ask for?
thanks
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