Half life? and other?

I have decided to quit taking Celexa since it has made me sleep all night and 4-6 hours a day and extremely lethargic. I read the half life is 35 hours. Does that mean 35 hours and the side effects are gone? Or does that mean it will take more time to be out of my system? Im just not understanding how that works.

Another question. Will GP's generally prescribe benzos like Klonopin long term? Reason I ask is, this Xanax REALLY kicks my anxieties butt! Its awesome. I take it most days, but some days its only a half of a .5mg pill. Other days I take 2 halves. Im thinking about asking my doc to try Klonopin because I read it is longer acting and a little weaker, less addictive too? I honestly think a benzo along with talking about my heart worries(which there is none, just the racing and increased bp from panic) will cure me. I just feel so dam(excuse my language, just happy) normal and in a great relief when I take the Xanax.

Now to just get this Celexa out of my system and the sleepiness and lethargy to stop. Thanks all.

PS...on a good note, the Nexium is really helping my stomach issue(which irritated the vagus nerve which increased my heart rate) . I have only had 4 instances of increased heart rate due to pain in the last 3 days! Fingers crossed my stomach is finally healing!

Post Edited (trader758) : 8/23/2014 4:00:15 PM (GMT-6)

Trader,

You ask an interesting question...the elimination of a drug from the system...half-life...can't really be put into practice when weaning from an SSRI type med, because it needs to be done gradually.

By definition...yes, the length of the drug's half life is around 35 hrs...but you should not plan on just stopping, and being done in a couple of days!

With a gradual wean, you will see less discontinuation/side effects and feel much better in the long run.

Ask your doctor if you have not already how to go about this.

You will also have to ask your doctor about the long term use of your benzo. It can carry a dependency risk, so some MD's are reluctant to prescribe more than short term.

One thing I can suggest is to ask about continued use while you attend therapy. In this way, you are learning to cope and manage the anxiety for the long term...while you have the safety net of your chosen med in the short term.

Best wishes on your wean, getting your Rx regimen worked out, and in possibly looking into other treatment options!

Keep posting,

S.C.

I agree with SC, a gradual wean is the way to go with ssri's, even if it has only been one month. Quitting cold turkey tends to bring on rebound anxiety, sooner or later. Please, please contact your doctor before stopping any medication if you haven't already.