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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by 4WD on September 30, 2005, at 22:46:04
I stopped Celexa 10mg a week ago and started Luvox the next day - 12.5mg for 3 days and 25mg/day since then (4 days). I have had a couple of days where I felt okay but most days, especially today, I am so depressed I feel like i cannot bear it.
Is this from the Celexa wearing off and the Luvox not working yet? Is the Luvox making me suicidal? Or is it just withdrawal from Celexa? I can't seem to go more than an hour without hopeless despairing crying. I can't reach my doctor til next week. His assistant said it's just the Celexa leaving and the Luvox not kicking in yet.
Please help me hang on. How long.
Marsha
Posted by 4WD on September 30, 2005, at 23:53:19
In reply to Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die., posted by 4WD on September 30, 2005, at 22:46:04
I have also started having lots of vivid weird dreams in the last few days. Does this mean my REM sleep has increased since going off Celexa and that's why I'm so depressed?
Posted by Phillipa on October 1, 2005, at 0:01:45
In reply to Re: Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die., posted by 4WD on September 30, 2005, at 23:53:19
Marsha, that is so wierd. On luvox I was having nightly mightmares. Haven't had them on the lexapro[same as celexa really]. But l2.5mg of luvox is really low. When I started it years ago they started me at 50mg and I had no reaction at all. And the next day l00mg up to 250mg. The first Ad I ever tolerated and felt relaxed from. But I was also at that time on ativan and chloral hydrate to sleep. And luvox potentiates a lot of other meds. So I would be inclined to think you might not be taking enough luvox. It's only approved for OCD in this country. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by 4WD on October 1, 2005, at 0:12:46
In reply to Re: Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die. » 4WD, posted by Phillipa on October 1, 2005, at 0:01:45
> Marsha, that is so wierd. On luvox I was having nightly mightmares. Haven't had them on the lexapro[same as celexa really]. But l2.5mg of luvox is really low. When I started it years ago they started me at 50mg and I had no reaction at all. And the next day l00mg up to 250mg. The first Ad I ever tolerated and felt relaxed from. But I was also at that time on ativan and chloral hydrate to sleep. And luvox potentiates a lot of other meds. So I would be inclined to think you might not be taking enough luvox. It's only approved for OCD in this country. Fondly, Phillipa
Hi Phillipa,
I've never been able to take more than a half or even a quarter dose of any AD. Side effects are too intense and they seemed to work okay at lower dosages. I think I am just ver sensitive to meds. I am glad to hear you tlerated it and were relaxed on it. Maybe I will be, too. I can go up to 50mg after a week and a half at 25 my pdoc says.
Didn't you try it again recetnly? What happened then?
Marsha
Posted by 4WD on October 1, 2005, at 0:23:22
In reply to Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die., posted by 4WD on September 30, 2005, at 22:46:04
This is bizarre. Over the course of about 5-10 minutes the horrible deep depression lifted. I feel blank and tired and emotionally exhausted but the despair is 80% gone. What happened? I am afraid to go to bed for fear it will be back when I wake up.
Marsha
Posted by Phillipa on October 1, 2005, at 0:48:27
In reply to Re: Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die. » Phillipa, posted by 4WD on October 1, 2005, at 0:12:46
Marsha, for some reason the docs are starting lower today than in the past so I never went up past25mg. I should have gone much higher. But if you're feeling relaxed at the dose you're on that's good. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by tizza on October 1, 2005, at 4:27:11
In reply to Re: Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die. » 4WD, posted by Phillipa on October 1, 2005, at 0:48:27
I was switched from Celexa or (cipramil here) to luvox and didn't have any problems with the change over at all. Celexa didn't agree with me although I kept taking it for 4 months. Once I was on luvox my depression started to abate quite quickly, and all the terrible side effects from celexa went away very quickly. for eg, no more jaw clenching to the point where I cracked 2 teeth,(I nicknamed celexa the tooth cracker) no more uncontrollable yawning, no more aggresion or agitation and severe anxiety,I started to sleep better. I was placed onto 50mg of luvox to start with and was then raised to 300mg daily over a period of a few months until one day it just stopped working for me. I did get side effects from luvox including chronic diarhea especially when I consumed alcohol or yoghurt but aside from all that it worked quite well compared to celexa. I didn't suffer from nightmares from luvox luckily but each drug effects everyone differently. Once it stopped working I had to have a flush out period of 4 days before my pdoc switched me to effexor xr. Now that was a living nightmare because I was on such a massive dose but don't despair, I didn't have time to taper off luvox and that was one of the most horrendous experiences of my life. I'm currently tapering off effexor at the moment and it's a much smoother process. The withdrawals are there slightly but if you do this properly it won't be too much of a drama. I wish you all the best, and I know what you are going through, you are not alone here and I hope I was of some help, reguards Paul
Posted by wildcard on October 1, 2005, at 5:53:27
In reply to Re: Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die., posted by 4WD on October 1, 2005, at 0:23:22
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on October 1, 2005, at 10:51:41
In reply to Re: Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die., posted by 4WD on October 1, 2005, at 0:23:22
when you switch meds, it happens. it could take as long as next five minutes where you feel the effects of your new med, or it could take 2-3 weeks. since you were already on an SSRI, i would bet sooner than later.
this is the toughest thing about being on meds. they help, but often it takes a few weeks for it to take hold. whenever i went through this process, i would just do things that made the days pass as quickly as possible (rent movies, take long walks, and even write posts).
please keep us updated on your progress. we are always here for you.
Posted by yxibow on October 1, 2005, at 17:13:50
In reply to Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die., posted by 4WD on September 30, 2005, at 22:46:04
> I stopped Celexa 10mg a week ago and started Luvox the next day - 12.5mg for 3 days and 25mg/day since then (4 days). I have had a couple of days where I felt okay but most days, especially today, I am so depressed I feel like i cannot bear it.
>
> Is this from the Celexa wearing off and the Luvox not working yet? Is the Luvox making me suicidal? Or is it just withdrawal from Celexa? I can't seem to go more than an hour without hopeless despairing crying. I can't reach my doctor til next week. His assistant said it's just the Celexa leaving and the Luvox not kicking in yet.
>
> Please help me hang on. How long.
>
> Marsha
I guess your doctor was being overcautious and didnt want to crosstaper the medications -- I'm not sure, there may be a P450 interaction. But 25mg/day IMHO is a very low uptaper on Luvox as I recall my experience with the medication. Its a lower potency drug than the other SSRIs and I believe the PDR tops you out at 300 although I think I went as high as 400. Just try to hold on, however hard that sounds and communicate to your doctor about these feelings. They sound like withdrawal depression and not enough Luvox to replace the Celexa you were taking.my 2c
I hope you feel better
Posted by 4WD on October 1, 2005, at 23:46:06
In reply to Re: Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die., posted by yxibow on October 1, 2005, at 17:13:50
Today has been different. Not better just different. Instead of deep despairing depression, it has been anxiety and fear and feeling overwrought and hopeless.
The Celexa helped with depression but not anxiety. It seems like all the SSRIs cause me the same problem - the muscles in my neck and shoulders go into spasm causing chronic severe burning aching pain. It looks like Luvox may be going to do the same thing. At least it's not any better.
I have taken every med except MAOIs and a few of the tricyclics. I just feel hopeless that I will ever find a drug that will help without causing intolerable side effects.
All day today I was scared. Ranging from jittery and nervous to just plain scared. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I hadn't already been scared for a year now. I am so tired of being in fear. I take a low dose of Klonopin but I am scared of it too.
Thank you all for being here. Thanks Paul for your Luvox experience information. Maybe the Luvox will help with the anxiety. It's only been a week.
Marsha
Posted by 4WD on October 2, 2005, at 22:42:41
In reply to Re: Celexa to Luvox day 7. Want to die., posted by 4WD on October 1, 2005, at 23:46:06
I ahve been suicidal for three days now. I have switched from Celexa to other meds before without a cross taper nd done fine.
I can't figure out whether I'm in relapse or if the Luvox if causing the suicidal depression and agitation/anxiety.
Posted by Phillipa on October 2, 2005, at 22:52:37
In reply to Day 10. It's worse., posted by 4WD on October 2, 2005, at 22:42:41
Marsha, You know it's time to call your pdoc. This is now an emergency. Are you alone or with someone? Or is there someone to take you the ER. Could you also call a crisis line if you're alone. They could help handle transportation to the hospital. Please don't do anything to harm yourself. Remember there is an answer to everything. Leave that up to the professionals right now. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by tizza on October 3, 2005, at 1:29:51
In reply to Re: Day 10. It's worse. » 4WD, posted by Phillipa on October 2, 2005, at 22:52:37
I totally agree with phillipa, ring your pdoc or someone else right now, seek help and please, please don't do anything silly. Just make that call NOW!!!!!!! paul
Posted by SLS on October 3, 2005, at 8:47:58
In reply to Day 10. It's worse., posted by 4WD on October 2, 2005, at 22:42:41
> I ahve been suicidal for three days now. I have switched from Celexa to other meds before without a cross taper nd done fine.
> I can't figure out whether I'm in relapse or if the Luvox if causing the suicidal depression and agitation/anxiety.
I agree with the other posters. Regardless of what the reasons are, you have reached a critical state that needs to be addressed by your doctor.I wouldn't know what to suggest.
1. Increase Luvox rapidly
2. Restart Celexa at 1/2 the original dosage; remain on Luvox and titrate to 100mg; stabilize; taper Celexa gradually; increase Luvox if needed while tapering Celexa.
3. Use Zyprexa or some other anxiolytic temporarily while you titrate the Luvox
Let us know what the doctor says. What medications do you have around that might treat the anxiety temporarily?
- Scott
Posted by lynn970 on October 3, 2005, at 17:10:28
In reply to Day 10. It's worse., posted by 4WD on October 2, 2005, at 22:42:41
Please see a doctor. Dont do anything to harm yourself please. This too, will pass.
((((4WD)))
Posted by 4WD on October 4, 2005, at 20:55:29
In reply to Day 10. It's worse., posted by 4WD on October 2, 2005, at 22:42:41
Thank you all.
I stopped the Luvox and went back to Celexa. On Sunday night, it was so bad I did have to go and find people to be around to stay alive.
Then I took 5mg of Zyprexa and went to bed. Monday morning I went back to Celexa. I called my pdoc and he called me this morning and I have an appointment Thursday.
I am better today already. The Zyprexa helped I guess. The deep horrible unbearable pain depression has receded and now I am just scared and unhappy and shaken up.
I have been somewhere for the last three days that most people in this world never go. I imagine many of you on this board have been there. I have only been there two or three times before myself. I have been trying to think of ways to describe it but it's impossible.
Have you ever had a nightmare and you woke up in horror and finally realized it was just a dream and the horror starts to lessen?
It's like that except you wake up and it isn't a dream it's real and you are already awake and you can't believe what you are living through and it won't go away and there is no escape and God has surely abandoned you and there is no hope at all. And the only escape is to die to get away from it but you can't, you just can't do that either. And so you go on being tortured.
You can't bear it and you can't escape. You writhe in the floor and beg for mercy or help or a moment of surcease and it doesn't come. You try to get hold of yourself because there is nothing left to do. You stare at the TV and for 5 minutes forget and then it tugs at your shirt again and you are back in yourself and it starts all over again.
The endless cycling in your mind over meds and possible combinations but there is some reason none of them is acceptable or tolerable or effective and you look at your calendar desperately, thinking maybe I was better on Cymbalta/Effexor/imipramine/whatever, maybe I could go back on that and then there it is on the calendar "horrible day, terror, very depressed." so you know that drug didn't work and you lose hope all over again.
And you pray, thinking that God will surely hear you this time. After all, you have been doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing, eating properly, going to the gym, taking your meds, not abusing any substances, cutting out caffeine, praying earnestly and helping others and you are so sure that this time, God must hear you and give you some peace or at least acceptance of your situation. And you get up off your knees and go in the bathroom and close the door in despair and weep because you feel exactly the same.
That's kind of what it's like.
I'm sorry to vent so much. It's just that there are so many people in the world who don't know what depression means. Here I know people know what it means and I feel *heard*.
Thank you.
Marsha
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2005, at 22:15:41
In reply to Re: Day 10. It's worse., posted by 4WD on October 4, 2005, at 20:55:29
Marsha I'm glad you are better. But the same thing happens over and over. Funny thing is luvox is about the only AD I can tolerate. Fondly,Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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