... like it isn't helping as much as it should, anyone have this problem also?
I took Paxil for 10 years, I have been on Celexa for 6 months I take 80 mg every morning and feel?
Question posted by MinaTarie82 on 13 Sep 2009
Last updated on 12 December 2019 by Daisyforever
9 Answers
Daisyforever
13 Dec 2019
Mina, Can I ask why you stopped the Paxil ? I'm thinking if you have been taking Celexa for 6 months you should definetly feel much better by now at that high dose. If it was working you should have been feeling much better after taking it for 2 months. By 8 weeks if it's not working, you need to tell the doctor. Usually by 8 weeks you should be feeling well, or at least much better. Do you see the doctor that prescribed it to you much ? And do you tell him it is not working very well ? I would make a appointment with him and let him know how you are feeling. He can adjust or change the med. Let us know how you are doing ! Hang in there !
WildcatVet
13 Dec 2019
I would consult with your health care professional as you are double the recommended dose of Celexa. If that's not working for you you may have to consider trying another SSRI, an SSNRI, or a tricyclic class of antidepressant.
"Doses above 40 mg/day are not recommended due to the risk of QT prolongation. Additionally, the only study pertinent to dose response for effectiveness did not demonstrate an advantage for the 60 mg/day dose over the 40 mg/day dose."
AliceVai
12 Dec 2019
Woah. Maximum dosages in Portugal are like paroxetine 40mg, citalopram 40mg, escitalopram 20mg, fluoxetine 40mg. Why not try a tricyclic like clomipramine? They're really effective even on a low dose if you can tolerate the side effects.
8angels
21 Nov 2016
I am 64 years old. I suffered from a major depression at 40 years old. I was put on
Paxil which worked very well for me. 1 was disturbed by weight gain and asked to try celexa which was a new drug at that time. It worked well also and over the years my dosage was moved up to 80 mgs which
was considered safe at the time. It has only been in the past few years that drs now believe 80 mgs is too high a dose to be on for my hearts sake. 1 would not have been able to cut it back while my life was as busy and as stressful as it once was. Last week I cut my dosage back to 60 mgs and after a week of being way too touchy I am now adjusting fine. Eventually I will try to cut back further to 40 mgs if possible. Although I do not want to intentionally endanger my physical health I also have no intention of risking my emotional and mental health by not taking the medication that I need to stay stable.
It's a tough call when it comes down to it and I believe that each person should be able to decide what works for them. One precaution though is that each of us has to be in a stable position before being able to make the best decision for ourselves. And one more thing, as far as I have experienced any of the drugs that have the same benefits that I need such as Paxil and Celexa all contribute to weight gain as they seem to slow down my entire system. I tried Wellbutrin which gave me more energy and a sharper mind but also made me more touchy too. So it's a matter of finding the one that makes you feel the most like you. They all have unwanted side effects but I prefer taking a drug that allows me to still find joy in life as opposed to sitting in a rocking chair in a hospital while life is passing me by.
jessiesgurl
10 Jan 2012
I take celexa and do not think it works that well.I was given welbutrin as well..and buspar. I think cymbalta is awesome but I perspired so bad I was taken off of it. I was given abilify which works great too but it maxed out my drug prescription program..so now I am on 2 plus buspar that don't work as well as one.
Kd6789
11 Oct 2011
I'm currently transfered off the paxil too and was on it for several years and feel like my new medication isn't working as well but they say that paxil causes withdrawl like symptoms and what not so that could be the medication just comming out of your body. I'm giving my new medication a month until I try something else! Good luck!
joannmcnally
27 Sep 2009
and never take Abilify as i was in intensive care with that one thinking i had flu for 2 weeks let go to long. couldnt even get up.severve reaction. serquel keeps me up at night so i dont take anything at night and sleep well. off Seroquel completely. Have a blood panel run for Celiac disease . its a wheat-glutton allergy. that masked itself to your mind problems and body problems . they just have to run a blood test. please check . than you can be off almost all meds. just diet easy. 3 months now takes 2 full years for freedom but have energy and work, go out work out. things i couldnt do before. no anexiety in daytime or night feel so good. its a simple thing .
Junior1962
27 Sep 2009
Joanne, not being on medication is not the answer for everyone. I hear what you are saying and I do believe that these meds are being overprescribed and often used when counselling would be a better option. Having said that, however, I chose to stay on medication for what I now know is generalised anxiety disorder (it wasn't even in the manual when i first started suffering from it) and it has made a huge difference to the quality of my life. I also suffer depression and had 5 episodes by the time i was in my mid 30s. I am now 46.
But... doses that are well beyond the recommended dose are probably going to be more harmful than good. There is a reason why the drug companies have a maximum dosage level and Dr's SHOULD adhere to it. Esp when we are talking about drugs that alter our brain chemistry.
I agree though that we, as consumers, should explore other options. I also say that from a semi-professional perspective, as I have studied to Honours level in psychology. Some times therapy alone is the answer, sometimes medication alone is the answer, but more often, the two together are the best option. In many cases, the medication can be stopped after a period of time but it really depends on the make up of the individual. For me, no amount of therapy / counselling is going to change the fact that I have a nervous system that operates in a state of hyperarousal. That's what my medication is for. To settle it down. On the other hand, I can certainly change the way I think, and that is what therapy is for.
Cheers :)
joannmcnally
27 Sep 2009
You are absolutely right on. love what you have to say.
joannmcnally
27 Sep 2009
this was for junior 1962
joannmcnally
27 Sep 2009
I hope you feel good now on this new med..
Psyched
13 Sep 2009
MinaTarie82,
I think you might be taking too much. Celexa is recommended not to exceed 60mg/day and it's therapeutic response is supposed to be reevaluated every 32 weeks. Also, it's not recommended for ong term use. I think you should see another doctor for a second opinion. Hope this helps.
itsmetoo2
13 Sep 2009
Why did you change off of Paxil?? Ten years is a long time, was it no longer working?
If you still have the symptoms then you need to be evaluated some more. Maybe you need a high dose or maybe it just is not right for you. Talk it over with your Doctor.
MinaTarie82
13 Sep 2009
I had severe side effects from the paxil and it no longer worked when I was taking 100mg of Paxil and 10 mg abilify. The Celexa worked but I am maxed out on my dosage and my Dr. will not try anything else he thinks I need more counseling but I go weekly and attend 12 step programs also... I guess maybe I should think about a new Dr. maybe
Junior1962
13 Sep 2009
You were on 100mg of Paxil??? My god, the recommended maximum is HALF THAT!!! Just checked on Citalopram.. the max dose is supposed to be 40mg. I'd find another DR. The doses are too high. Also, you may now be addicted to SSRI's and may have to wean off them very very slowly.
Good luck
Related topics
celexa, paxil, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, hot flashes, anxiety and stress
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