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8 weeks on Celexa and not any better (input wanted on Effexor XR & Pristiq)

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Posted 10/21/2015 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
So today is exactly 8 weeks on Celexa, I'm up to 40 mg and I feel worse now than before I switched over from the Effexor. I'm trying to give the medication time, but why am I feeling worse? I'm having panic attacks, I'm depressed, and absolutely EHXAUSTED.

I'm second guessing switching back to the Celexa instead of just staying on the Effexor. Now I feel like I need to make another decision when it comes to medication and what is going to make me feel better and functionable. UGH!

I need some encouragement, guys. I'm feeling kind of hopeless right now.

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 10/22/2015 4:28:29 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/21/2015 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Sylk,

I am really sorry to hear this! You have given this new med a good chance...8 weeks is a fair amount of time...

...still, some people need longer to respond, so there could be hope for the next couple of weeks, in terms of a turnaround.

Have you talked with your P-doc yet? What does he/she say?

I would hate to see you come all this way to change directions before knowing for sure this is indicated.

Have you considered an add on? Maybe this is something you can talk to your prescribing doctor about...

Sending encouragement...talk to your doc, and see what your options and his/her recommendation is.

Let us know what you hear, okay?

S.C.
Posted 10/22/2015 9:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I am sorry to hear that the Celaxa has not helped when did you change upto 40mg? A dose increase can disrupt things at first but things do seem to settle again.

I would chat through your options with your doctor and see what they suggest.

Hibee
Posted 10/22/2015 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, so I went to the Dr. today and she agreed that I should not be feeling more depressed along with having panic attacks.

She wants me to start coming down off the Celexa and to either go back on the Effexor, OR Pristiq.

I'm scared to try the Pristiq, but I hear that it is very similar to Effexor.

I need some input because I'm just not sure what to do...Effexor XR or Pristiq?

Thanks all.
Posted 10/22/2015 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Sylk,

Glad you went in! Sorry this has been difficult, and not the results you had hoped for. :/

I don't have practical advice/experience...but wish you the best...am sending well wishes and thoughts of fortitude for your transition...

...and will keep this bumped to the top, so you can get some input from somebody who has tried these Rx's.

S.C.
Posted 10/22/2015 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Cat,

Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. And thank you for bumping it.

Amy
Posted 10/22/2015 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
Bump
Posted 10/22/2015 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
i take effexor have nothing bad to say about it...i hear it is harder to get off of than ssri's (its an snri) but i dont plan to ever stop taking it so thats not an issue for me...i started on 75 mg in july and now am at 150 and have felt incremental improvement each time ..the 75 helped my depression and the 150 is helping my anxiety/ocd..everyone is different though..but that is my experience
Posted 10/23/2015 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Daddy,

Thank you for your reply! I'm glad to hear a success story on you doing well on the Effexor. I think that is the route I am going to take again.

I hope you continue to do well!!

Amy
Posted 10/23/2015 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
I'm one month back on Effexor xr and doing good. I took it a few years back with success as well. It's a med that gas worked really well for me. Best wishes to you!
Posted 10/23/2015 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
****HAS, not gas!!!
Posted 10/23/2015 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
BBW...typos...gotta love them!! ;)

I have almost done a really bad one on several occasions...let me explain...

One of my send offs to those I know well enough here is "Big Hugs"

Well the 'Big' always comes out okay...

...but have a look at what letter is directly to the right of 'H'...

OMGsh How embarassing would that be?!? ;p ;p ;p

S.C.
Posted 10/23/2015 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
So the Effexor again it is.

I decreased my Celexa from 40 mg to 20 mg and started my Effexor XR 75 mg again this morning.

I woke up with a panic attack, ugh...so I know the Celexa was definitely not working.

I'm hoping that since I only stopped the Effexor a week ago that the 75 mg startup won't be too bad again.

I'll take the Celexa for 5 days at the 20 mg and then stop it.

All of these changes are so hard on me right now...I will take any prayers and encouragement anyone is willing to give right now.

Wish me luck!

Amy
Posted 11/4/2015 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
Is the Effexor helping you now? Just curious. I've gone back on it recently after being off for a month.
Posted 11/5/2015 2:19 AM (GMT 0)
Purple,

Yes, it is helping me again. Thank goodness!! I'm back up to 150 mg and so far so good.

If you decide to give it another go, I hope you have good luck with it again.

Sylk
Posted 11/5/2015 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Sylk,

Glad to hear you are feeling better now!! This is welcome news for sure.:)


Sorry I missed you post previous to today's...but you always in my thought and prayers.:)

Hopefully this regimen will be one that works long term for you!

S.C.
Posted 11/5/2015 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
Cat,

Thank you! I'm hoping that this will be okay for me for a while!

Hope you are doing good as well!!

XOXO,
Amy
Posted 11/5/2015 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
sylk-
im glad to hear the 150mg effexor is working for you! it has helped me as well at that dose :-)
Posted 11/6/2015 6:06 PM (GMT 0)
Sylk, happy it's working for you. How long did it take you to get to the 150 dose comfortably?
Posted 11/7/2015 1:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Pleased to hear the Effexor is working well for you that is good news.

Pristiq is just a new version of Effexor it's a strong medication.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 11/7/2015 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Daddy,

I'm glad that you, too are doing well on the Effexor! It definitely makes a difference!

Purple,

It only took me 3 weeks to get to the 150 mg with no issues. But everyone is different. I increased half the current dose every week.

Hibee,

Thanks! I'm so glad the Effexor is helping again!

Sylk
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