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Adding Celexa while weaning down from Effexor XR

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Posted 8/25/2015 1:11 PM (GMT 0)
My question is this...

Has anyone had experience with weaning from Effexor XR 150 mg while at the same time adding 10 mg of Celexa to help cover withdrawal symptoms?

I'm to keep decreasing my Effexor 75 mg each week while staying on the 10 mg Celexa until I get down to the last week of taking 37.5 mg of Effexor XR at which point I am to increase to 20 mg of Celexa and then stop the Effexor XR And just take the Celexa.

Or if Anyone hasn't done this, is it safe? My Dr says it is and so does my Pharmacist, but you know me...always nervous!!

Looking forward to any and all replies!

TIA,
Posted 8/25/2015 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Sylkn,

Do you see a psychiatrist or a regular GP? I simply ask, because I believe p-docs to have the greatest knowledge in psychotropic Rx's...

...but even if your prescribing doctor is your GP, he/she will know how to safely transition you from your SNRI to the SSRI. (and double checking withh your pharmacist was a good move, that further confirms this!)

I understand your concern...as I would be thinking along the same lines I am sure...

...but I think you are in good hands with your doctor's plan.:)

Keep us posted and let us know how we can support you through your switch!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 8/25/2015 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Yes this is a common changeover plan and my psychiatrist usually starts me on a new medication before I finish discontinuing the one I am on.

Effexor is one of the hardest AD to wean off so this method is really effective in my opinion.

You have nothing to worry about but you may see an increase in your anxiety to begin with but things should stabilise. Keep in contact with your doctor and keep them informed of your progress.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 8/26/2015 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Cat,

You know me, always overly cautious! It's my PCP but I trust her more than I've trusted my PDoc in the past!

Hibee,

I'm glad to hear that is how your PDoc does things!

I dropped my Effexor dose to 150 mg today and will add the 10 mg of Celexa to the mix tomorrow!

I will keep you updated on how things go!

Thanks for both of your replies...definitely made me feel better!!

Amy
Posted 8/26/2015 8:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Amy

Keep us posted we are here for you I feel that by adding the Celexa it will make the discontinuation of the Effexor much easier.

Hibee
Posted 8/26/2015 12:22 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, so today is day 1 of adding the Celexa...we will see how it goes! I'm just proud of myself that I didn't even think about taking it, but instead, just opened the bottle and added to my other meds for the morning! Yay me!

Hope you guys are having a good day!!

Amy
Posted 8/26/2015 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
Sylkn,

Good job on taking that leap of faith! Yay you indeed, and high fives!!

I am sure you are going to do fine!

...but do keep us posted so we can cheer you on.:)

S.C.
Posted 8/27/2015 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, so today is day 2 of adding the Celexa.

So far, so good, I think...

I'm wondering if my body aches and pains in my joints are due to the decrease in the Effexor XR?

I'm a bit more tired than usual, but chalking that up to adding the Celexa...oh, and I guess I was having some pretty crazy dreams last night since I woke my husband up out of a sound sleep because I was screaming at the top of my lungs! CRAZY!

I have no idea what I was dreaming about though.

So I am going with the flow for now...

I will see what day 3 brings tomorrow.
Posted 8/27/2015 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Sylkn,

I have heard of intense dreams with meds...

...poor hubs...sounds like you gave him a start! Lol. ;p

Sounds like you are doing great in general though...good outlook on your part...going with the flow is essential!

Keep up the great work!

S.C.
Posted 8/28/2015 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Yes ssri's can cause weird dreams as a side effect.

Sounds like things are going well with your switch over keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 8/28/2015 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Quick update...

Day 3 of the Celexa and so far so good! I'm staying positive and keeping busy...no miserable unbearable side effects.

Hope this message finds everyone well!!

Amy
Posted 8/28/2015 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
cool  Great news!  May it continue so!

...and hope you are having a great day/weekend too.:)

Talk soon,

S.C.

Posted 9/4/2015 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Quick update and also a question.

So as far as withdrawals, I've been pretty lucky. Side effects from starting the Celex, good.

Tomorrow I will decrease my Effexor to 75 mg and increase my Celexa to 20 mg.

So here's my question...I have been so very tired since I started the crossover. Like tired as in I am in bed by 9 pm and asleep within minutes. Do you think it is from reducing the Effexor, or from adding the Celexa?

It has to be from one of those because that's when this ridiculous fatigue started.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Amy
Posted 9/5/2015 8:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I think you are feeling tired due to the combination of both the Effexor and the Celexa but this should get better as you reduce your Effexor.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 9/19/2015 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't posted an update for a bit, but today I need some reassurance.

So, since last Wednesday, I have been sick and went to the the Dr. this week on Tuesday and was prescribed Amoxicillin for a severe sinus infection. I also got some Afrin which I only used for 2 days.

I am still currently on the 75 mg Effexor and on 20 mg Celexa...the past few days my anxiety has been through the roof. I am having ocular migraines, my vision has been feeling weird and have been dizzy on and off...

So I am not sure if it from the sinus infection that I am having these symptoms and the dizziness, or do you think it is from the medication? I know I haven't felt anxiety quite like this in a long time and I am SUPER frustrated today.

I want to cry, need a hug and so totally frustrated.

Sylk shakehead
Posted 9/19/2015 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
Oh no!! I am sorry to hear you are sick.:(

I'm afraid this sounds like the 'perfect storm' in a sense.

Yes, being sick in and of itself can increase anxiety...any opportunity anxiety can take when we are down, right? Not nice!

Also, the symptoms you describe could certainly be from the sinus infection/congestion.

However, it could also be from...or exacerbated by the meds. Many abx's can cause/increase anxiety...and I believ some nasal sprays are known for it as well! ;/

So you could be getting hit from all sides here...it's no wonder your anxiety is increased!

Call your doctor on Monday and ask about a possible switch in Rx's if you have not improved by then...

Otherwise, you may just need to ride things out until you are over the illness...

...which will hopefully be soon!

Rest and recover,

S.C.
Posted 9/19/2015 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Cat,

Thank you so much for your reply. I always feel better after hearing some reassurances from my HW Family.

I'm hoping it's just from being sick, because I really was feeling pretty good even though I'm mid way thru the med change process.

I hope you are having a great day!!

Thanks again,
Sylk
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