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Misc Should I try an SSRI?

dwamn said:
its worth a shot but does anyone know if a higher dose is even useful cause i know ssris just stabilize the amount of serotonin in your brain
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There is debate on whether they even do that.

In any case, higher doses of SSRIs have been shown to cause QT interval prolongation which can lead to arrhythmia, Celexa/citalopram specifically has a warning not to exceed 40mg/day now because of this. This is a problem that comes up with atypical antipsychotics as well so its pretty alarming that medications that are supposedly relatively benign are causing it at lowish doses. I mean my doctor started me on 20mg of Celexa a day and I've known people on 80... Its a scary thought.
 
I didn't know citralopram could give people hypomania, but it sure as hell ruined my sleeping pattern; I could probably sleep maybe 3 hours on that. I was on it a good 2 years myself, and didn't get seriously strung out like I've heard people become after stopping the SSRI. The creepy thing about these drugs is the sheer availability of them; they're handed out like sweets by doctors as a type of "cure-it-all" for a great deal of disorders than depression.

I thought mirtazipine was an SSRI, don't know much about SSRI's so I should check out what they are. I know one thing though; these things are seriously powerful appetite enhancers, and make for a good sleep-aid.
 
I was on Prozac (WITH my Zyprexa, of course, or I'd go full-blown manic) five years ago when I had PPD. I had no sex drive, but otherwise no side effects that bothered me enough that I'd remember them now. I eventually felt better and got off. Wasn't on it for more than a year, and I think possibly less.

I'm thinking about going back on it now because I have all this depression related to being in so much pain for so long. I thought the surgery would cure me and it looks like things are just getting worse. Sigh.
 
are there any studies that can be referenced stating that ssri's effects are more or less just a placebo? not trying to bring a sh!t storm, just wondering where this info is coming from. i agree not all work for everyone, but after 10 years of trial and error with ssri's my depression/mania is pretty well under control with minimal problems, sure i know all about the withdrawal but that can be controlled just like any other drug withdrawal.
 
lol..i really wish i hadnt read that. i didnt take the test but i was suicidal for years, tried twice, but since paxil and abilify ive felt fine. ive been on depakote, lithium, haldol, etc, the VA seems to have used me as a test subject rather than a patient at times.....none of it worked though until now. if its placebo, im ok with it, i feel good most days and have minimal side effects.
 
As long as it is working for you, that's all that matters.

Also, Abilify is actually fairly decent as an antidepressant. I couldn't tolerate the side effects (it seems my body really doesn't like to have its dopamine messed with as I don't get along with any atypical antipsychotic) but it actually did relieve my depression... at least as far as making me apathetic. I don't know if I would consider that true relief but I guess if you just don't care, its better than being suicidal.

But my recommendation to anyone not already taking those meds still stands - its not worth the potential risks.

And yes, unfortunately the VA dopes up their patients and sends them on their way. I had a buddy who got 360 Oxy a month from the VA for his neuropathy because they didn't want to give him Lyrica.
 
The problem with the aforementioned studies is that they generally take place over a period of time too short for SSRI's to take full effect.

I've taken 20mg Citalopram in the past, and my conclusion is that they are "emotional blunters", but you really do need to stick with it for at least 3 weeks before they take effect. Side effects can be a bit grim for the first week, but they do legitimately go away.

Coming off them, you can expect audio distortions in your head commonly called "brain zaps" - but they're not dangerous, and they don't really come at all if you taper the dose.
 
I am also in need of an antidepressant but I have tried SSRIs before and I don't like them. I feel as if they are emotionally blunting in a bad way (they work both ways). While they might remove my worst depressive thoughts, they also make life less enjoyable. I am thinking of asking my doctor for a script for Memantine or some other NMDA antagonist for depression. I hope he will let me try it. Anyone think it could work or would side effects make these drugs unsustainable for everyday use?
 
Citalopram made me go batshit manic. Was in a psych ward got hold of the nurses med tray and locked myself in the toilet and swallowed everything that looked remotely interesting.(i remember saying its party time..not) luckily my room mate who had a raging amphetamine addiction raised the alarm as I was turning blue. I was pumped full of charcoal and shot black streams all over myself for the next couple of days oh and i was left naked for some reason.


SSRI's can kill you folks!
 
Jimzip is totally on the money. Citalopram does have a quick onset. But I believe it's the poorer half brother of Lexapro? Which I beleive has been updated again since. All the SSRI's I've been on are pretty much of a muchness except for how long the take to kick in. Citalopram can take a week to nine days, whearas Fluoxetine can take up to a month. The SNRI's (Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) will hit certain other receptor's; but to different degrees. The Norepineprine will give more motivation, and the Serotonin will give a sence of pleasure and well being.
venlafaxine and Atomexine are examples of SNRI's.
If you consider use of any of these drugs; chances are you'll be on them for life. As a last ditch attempt I tried parnate; or tranylcypromine. Went up to 90mgs in dose I couldn't stand it anymore from feeling freezing and very low blood pressure.
If you can come off all drugs, eat a healthy diet etc for 6 months or thereabouts; it's a much better option.
Best of luck.
 
SSRI's are the most addictive drug I've ever taken personally. They'll make you dead pan, but not the real you. Doc's give them out like sweets. After trying to come off em last year; it's safe to say; no way.
Just my experience though. Let your body suss itself out naturally. If not try em. Citalopram don't do over 40mg's; it damages the heart.
 
Try a good diet with lots of trytophan found in white meats, especially turkey; or a supplement. It's a precursor to seratonin, then melatonin; which will help with sleep.
Drugs just lead to other drugs. Go easy on yourself.
 
BingeBoy said:
Citalopram made me go batshit manic. Was in a psych ward got hold of the nurses med tray and locked myself in the toilet and swallowed everything that looked remotely interesting.(i remember saying its party time..not) luckily my room mate who had a raging amphetamine addiction raised the alarm as I was turning blue. I was pumped full of charcoal and shot black streams all over myself for the next couple of days oh and i was left naked for some reason.


SSRI's can kill you folks!
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Did the citalopram put you in the psych ward or did they give it to you there? Well either way this sounds more like a warning that you can kill yourself on SSRIs and with ample medications in arms reach.


BTW the title to this thread is really catchy, it rhymes.
 
It does rhyme. Just please be aware of citalopram especially. More than 40mgs per day can give irregular heart beats. If need's be or must, try Fluoxetine aka prozac. The NHS will give you the cheapest on offer.
I hate to mention, but from your original thread; you seem fairly young. This is the best time to try a natural remedy. Honestly give yourself 6 months off; eat well; stay with family if you can. Don't smoke, don't drink; just see the difference.
 
RTtrain they gave it to me there after putting me on methadone,methylphenidate and copious amounts of chlordiazepoxide. All of these were well tolerated a couple of months in (I was held captive) they added citolpram and after a week or so i just pulled this really irrational and risky stunt.I remember feeling on top of the orld...briefly.
 
I'm sure there have been gazillions of papers and studies written on the subject. They did work for me,and I'd say they're very effective at treating chronic depression, but of course that's just one mans anecdotal report. With SSRI's I think they're being pushed as the latest "wonder drug", and are being marketed by pharma companies as being effective at treating a variety of conditions for which there is little evidence for, such as phobia, social anxiety, etc. some of the ways they do this are pretty cynical and shrewd-they'll get some doctor to say SSRI's may be able to treat such and such a condition in a medical journal- like a stealth ad almost-and hey presto! SSRI's become the go-to band-aid for for doctors treating people with symptoms that are mostly psychological in nature, therefore difficult to treat for the average GP pressed for time.
 
dopemegently. please check your Im's. The inbox is full, pls delete all quotes so I can reply.
Ta.
 
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