My doctor prescribed a tranquilizer and also Celexa for anti-d and it appears that its making us work extra hard so I can reach O.
What is others experiences with these drugs?
After D-Day SF was good and now after two weeks its seems to be getting harder on my part, is this a cause of the pills or the A?
It seems I'm more than willing as she is but having a hard time finishing.
Could the A be really sinking in or is it the drugs, if its the drugs I'd like to talk to my doc to see if I can get off them.
If it's the A that's bothering me what do I do about that?
Any and all suggestions welcome,
Thanks, Bradley <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

Some anti-depressants can cause problems with sexual dysfunction. One that rarely does is called Wellbutrin. I think it would be worth discussing your problems with your physician and seeing if a medication like Wellbutirn might be more helpful.

Hi Bradley,

I have been on Celexa now for the past 7 months and another prescription prior to that. I have not really had any sexual side effects. This is something I discussed w/ my Doc and he only prescribes A/D's with lower risk of side effects like Wellbutrin, Celexa, etc.

This is obviously something you should talk to your Doctor about but my quick thinking could be the mix of the sedatives with the A/D. Do you need to be on a sedative or was this something only temporary until the Celexa kicked in?

For a few weeks after my WW and I began a SR again, I had a very bad time as I could not shake the mental images. I still have to thoughtfully "displace" these images from time to time. Although time is seeming to help.

My advice would be to talk to your doctor again and at least "weed out" the tranquiliser...

Hope this helps...

MITT

I'm on Wellbutrin and there have been no noticeable sexual side-effects.

They did take about 3 weeks to start "working" and I had to back off from 2 per day longer than anticipated due to the very strong effects. After about 4 weeks of 1/day I was able to comfortably go to 2/day.

Only other side effect, dry mouth, is easily remedied.

Thanks for the replies!
Makingitthruthis, I was only on tranq's(clorexpam)for the first week so, the Celexa I started for the first six days at 10mg then two days bumped up to 20mg.
It seems to space me right out and when I di some research on it it appears the best time may be to take it at night.
I am going to my doc on tues to see him and get more info.
Spacecase, I've also read that Weliburton is a good one and sometimes is prescribed in conjunction with Celexa or Zoloft.
I just wonder if one really needs this anti-d's?
Have any BS's done alright without them?
How did they cope ?

Bradley

Bradley,

I think you are going to find out that whether or not you take A/D's will be entirely up to you. Although now that you've started them, I have a feeling the doc will want to leave you on them for a while.

I asked for Wellbutrin on two different occasions and my doctor did not refuse but, did not like some of the side effects and was an older drug compared to Celexa (you know how these doctors LOVE to prescribe the "new" drugs).

I work in a highly technical envirnoment and DO NOT notice any effects when taking 20mg per day for the past several months. As far as taking them at night, I was told by the doctor that AM is better, as this is when you are awake and when you really could have a chemical imbalance. The only time I noticed a difference is when I tested weaning from them and found I was a little too anxious, wired, etc. I saw and told my Dr. this yesterday and he said, "no problem keep taking them and if you want to try to go off of them in the future, I'll leave it too your discretion."

Lastly, A/D's are nothing more than a manufactured Serotonin which your body makes and uses all day long. If you are having that "spacy" feeling either give them some more time or tell your Dr. how your feeling today. My guess is that he'll say a little more time.

Let us know how the appt goes...

MITT

Bradley,

My guess would be it's the pills, specifically celexa. I'm fairly biased here though because I had a bad trip on it. Our sex life was always good and my doc put me on celexa and I had no interest in it or much of anything else for that matter. My H had the same side effects so I would definetly speak to your doctor about it.

My Doc has switched me to Effexor (Venlafaxine)since and it's working much better.

Good luck.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> bradleym
Member # 21281 posted August 05, 2002 09:04 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just wonder if one really needs this anti-d's?
Have any BS's done alright without them?
How did they cope ?
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I can chime in here.

I did not and have not taken any form of A/D's or any other medication while going through my ordeal.

Yes....my H left me 3 times for the OW. Left me with 3 daughters, no job, no skills and tons of bills. Because of this we have lost our house and are knee deep in debt....but back together with a better marriage.

I CHOSE not to take A/D's much to the dislike of alot of family and friends. I chose not to because I didn't want to become dependant on them to keep my sanity. I have alot of family members that take A/D's and they seem to go batty when they run out....saying that they can't make it without them....I didn't want to be like that.

I wanted to know that I made it through my ordeal because I was strong enough emotionally on my own.....I didn't want to depend on something to get me through.

This is not to say that some people don't need A/D's....but I think that in todays society....people rely on them too heavily.

None of this should downplay my situation either....my situation wasn't rosy and wasn't easy to deal with.

I think it's all a state of mind.....some of us can overcome it....some of us need a little help.

Miss Priss,
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I think it's all a state of mind </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I disagree 100%. I remember I was so reluctant to go on A/D's because of social stigma, possible dependence, "being on a happy pill," etc.

My Dr. (and also a longtime friend) sat down and explained exactly what was happening without the drugs and then what would happen when on them. Some people are born with chemical imbalances and may require lifelong drugs for continued mental health. Others such as us are thrown into "systematic schock" which can cause another form of a chemical imbalance to the brain. Many people will only take an A/D until the trauma subsides and then can taken off of them safely without any change in feeling.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">This is not to say that some people don't need A/D's....but I think that in todays society....people rely on them too heavily.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Let's not forget that A/D's have only been around for a few years and depression and it's effects are only recently being exposed. So what is "relying them too heavily?" Do people also rely too heavily on hypertension medications and should quit because they shouldn't "depend on something to get them through?" What's the alternative - stroke or a heartattack???

Yea, I hate the pharaceutical companies also. But bottom line is, scientists are finding ways to improve our lives through medicines.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I wanted to know that I made it through my ordeal because I was strong enough emotionally on my own .....I didn't want to depend on something to get me through.
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Please spare us!!! Are you strong enough to make it without this group and a computer and modem and the internet??? Maybe you are and maybe you're not...

Just one other closing thought -- Did you ever think that A/D's DO their share of helping persons along in Plan A and recovery, allowing them to think clearly and make good solid rational decisions and actually help the M work and recovery process a little faster???

MITT,

I would like to kow why you are being so defensive?

If I remember correctly....I have an opinion and am free to express it on this board as long as it doesn't hurt anyone.....without having someone attack my views...again...as long as they don't hurt anyone. I don't believe I hurt anyone with my opinion.

The question was asked....and I answered.....from MY OWN experience. I was speaking for no one but myself.

Yes...people are born with chemical imbalances and may be required to take A/D's for that.....but I wasn't speaking of people with chemical imbalances......I was talking mostly about every day issues....and issues concerning an affair.....and MY experience in finding out that most everything I was going through was in my head.....fixable without the help of A/D's.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> Let's not forget that A/D's have only been around for a few years and depression and it's effects are only recently being exposed. So what is "relying them too heavily?" Do people also rely too heavily on hypertension medications and should quit because they shouldn't "depend on something to get them through?" What's the alternative - stroke or a heartattack???
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Oh come on.....I think the comparison you are making is totally way off base.

If you were to have read my post more thoroughly you would have seen that my comment about relying to heavily mostly came from my family members and people that I know....from MY OWN experience.....in that they make comments about not knowing what to do if they run out.....meaning relying heavily on them........these are people with no more than the every day stresses of life....and yes I know this to be true. None of them that I know have ever been diagnosed with a chemical imbalance....they simply go to their doctor and ask for it and they get it....heck maybe next time they can go in and ask for some morphine and probably get it.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> Please spare us!!! Are you strong enough to make it without this group and a computer and modem and the internet??? Maybe you are and maybe you're not...
</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Actually since you asked.......yes I am.
As anyone that knows me from here....they could tell you that I don't post very often....and anyone that is on my messenger list can tell you that I'm not on my computer that often anymore.

I am also glad to say that I do not post with problems anymore because our Recovery is going very very well. I come here whenever I have a free minute to give back a little of what was given to me when I first came here and the months following.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> Just one other closing thought -- Did you ever think that A/D's DO their share of helping persons along in Plan A and recovery, allowing them to think clearly and make good solid rational decisions and actually help the M work and recovery process a little faster??? </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I don't believe I ever said that A/D's didn't help people and that no one should be on them.

Isn't it also possible that all this can happen without the help of A/D's? I think I'm certainly proof of that.

Excuse me for being proud of the fact that I did not take A/D's.....I didn't know that it was a requirment.

Sorry everyone for my little tyraid....but I don't think I should be attacked for stating my opinion from MY OWN experiences......and simply for not taking A/D's.

I am on Celexa, 20mg. My Dr. told me to take at bedtime. So far no Sexual side effects, except that I am not as interested, but have not had any problems participating. I was finding that I was extra sleepy. I work 2nd shift, come home, go straight to bed. I was having troubles sleeping, once I got to sleep, I could not get up. I would sleep all morning until about noon. Dr. recently cut dosage in 1/2. First day on 1/2 dose, so far, I had no troubles getting going today. I was able to resume my old routine of getting up at 6Am and getting my day started.

Miss Priss,

I knew that you would "come back at me" as I was pretty harsh when actually I did not intend to be.

I work with people in AA and I always get concerned when people come out and boldly say, "I didn't do it the X way, I did it the Z way, and it worked just as good as the X way did." Those people always seem to have a higher recurrences of added substance abuse. We've even had highly successful people (with abstinence) that have gone on to relapse because "they wanted to try it the way the other guy did." So I apologise if I was so defensive. I guess it's also hard enough getting most people into the doctor for an evaluation that I don't like hearing other people "knock" (not saying you did) a good MD evaluation. They are the professionals who can judge better if a drug is appropriate.

With regard to being over used. You're probably right, as I've heard dozens of people say something like, "it's time to take another "happy pill" or I wish I had my "happy pills" with me as I could sure use one now." These types of statements are such a negative throw at people taking A/D's as the most common description is being tired. But this is yet another social stigma that has to be overcome.

I just find it amazing how many people think that A/D's are used to treat severe mental illness like schizophrenia. It comes up all time in various groups that I work with so I am always on the defensive in trying to correct the misconceptions of depression. There are many people high in the ladder now "coming out" to talk about depression and A/d's attempting to rid some of the social aspects.

Again I'm sorry if I attacked you and I am one that is glad you were able to make it through this mess we're all in without the use of A/D's but then again as a person who takes A/D's since the A, I really don't see any pride in not having taken them either.

Enough said.

I too was on Celexa. I stayed on it for about 4 months. I did have some sexual side effects from the medication (taking a long time to finish), however, that particular side effect could very well be an A aftermath for you too. In my case, I know it was from the anti-d's... as I was into recovery for almost 1 year before I started on the anti-d's. (my triggers were not entirely A related, but related to the death of our son, Andrew). And now that I've been off of them for well over 1 month now, I'm 'back to normal' with SF (so to speak <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" /> ).

IMO, anti-d's should only be used for a short period of time, if at all. But I'm the kind of person who hates to even take an aspirin or tylenol!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

You have to decide what is best for you. If you're uncomfortable with being on them right now, then talk to your dr. about either getting off the meds for the time being, or changing prescriptions. I believe that a lot will depend on your state of mind before starting the anti-d's too. (I was having suicidal thoughts for weeks, if not months, before I started them. I wanted to make sure I would be better and deal with those issues some before getting off of the celexa).

Let us know what you decide to do. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Karen

Well its been 4 weeks of being on the Celexa and the sexual side effects are still persisting although not as bad.
Last weekend was bad emotionaly for me so when I saw the doc on monday he suggested that I take 30mg instead of the 20mg per day.
He said if it was too much then back it off to 20mg again.
Well I tried it for three days but I was totally spaced out again so I backed off to 20mg and it seems to be o.k.
I don't know how I would have coped without the Celexa.
I still get depressed and down but I think it would be much worse without the A/D'S
I never thought that I would ever have to take them, but sometimes your life situation changes and you need some help.
I'm aiming to be off them by mid to late Sept, but I suppose that is tied to how well our marriage rebuilding has progressed and how my thought process has been.

I have a simliar post so instead or a repeat please read my thread on the subject

231

Bradleym;
I went on paxil after both of my parents died and we were remodeling our house. I too, never thought that I would need something to help-but it did help. I will say,however, that reaching O was almost impossible the first month or two. I also lost my natural sense of being ticklish-which was fine with me.
I was far less "needy' and not affectionate. I wouldn't get angry and was pretty much unaffected by the world around me. After almost a year, I thought that I should"feel" more than I did. I went off of the paxil cold turkey. HUGE MISTAKE!
At 4-5 days I suddenly felt more terrible than ever in my life! I started again and eventually weaned myself off.
Stay on it until several months after you life has staightened out to where you are comfortable. Then and only then, follow doctors advice on going off of them or not.

bradleym,
I was on Celexa, it made me very sleepy and numb below the waist. But without it, I cried desperately, in despair at least once a day. I needed to be on anti Ds.

My dr. switched me to Serzone. NO sleepiness, Os are normal and I feel better emotionally. So if Celexa isn't perfect for you, you may want to try something else.

Don't go off cold turkey- it makes you feel really weird. You have to wean yourself down and then start on the new drug and go up slowly. Get your dr's help with this.

There have been side effects such as specifically difficulties to reach orgasm described for anti-depressants such as Prozac. It is possible that Celexa belongs to that group. In the internet you can find the "Physicians Desk Reference" or the "Merck drug manual" to look up drug information and information on clinical studies that have been performed.

You should talk to your physician about the side effects, switching to another drug e.g. Zoloft may help.

Remember that in clinical trials only a percentage of patients report certain side effects. For some people one drug works fine, for others the same drug has major side effects.

Many of us on this forum are going through a major life crisis. I think it is wise to ask your physician for advice and anti-d's to improve your mood. As a BS you live in a constant state of high adrenaline release. The stress can lead to massive weight loss, sleep problems, forgetfulness and mood changes.

Take care of yourselves...

I just copied for you the side effects of Celexa from the PDR. Don't get anxious, not all patients experiece the same side effects. And COMMON ones are common, rare ones are rare. O.K.?

"Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Celexa.

More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, ejaculation disorders, fatigue, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, painful menstruation, respiratory tract infection, sinus or nasal inflammation, sweating, tremor, vomiting

Less common side effects may include:
Amnesia, attempted suicide, confusion, coughing, decreased sexual drive, depression, excessive urination, fever, gas, impaired concentration, increased appetite, increased salivation, itching, joint pain, lack of emotion, loss of menstruation, low blood pressure, migraine, muscle pain, rapid heartbeat, rash, skin tingling, taste disturbances, visual disturbances, weight gain, weight loss, yawning

Rare side effects may include:
Abnormal dreams, acne, aggressive behavior, alcohol intolerance, angina (chest pain), arthritis, belching, bone pain, breast enlargement, breast pain, bronchitis, bruising, chills, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), decreased muscle movements, delusions, dermatitis, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, drug dependence, dry eyes, dry skin, eczema, emotional instability, excessive milk flow, excessive muscle tone, eye pain, fainting, feeling of well-being, flu-like symptoms, flushing, frequent urination, gum inflammation, hair loss, hallucinations, heart attack, heart failure, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, hives, hot flashes, inability to hold urine, inability to urinate completely, increased sex drive, increased urination, involuntary muscle movements, leg cramps, mouth sores, muscle weakness, nosebleeds, numbness, painful erection, painful urination, panic, paranoia, pneumonia, psoriasis, psychosis, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to light, skin discoloration, slow heartbeat, stomach and intestinal inflammation, stroke, swelling, teeth grinding, thirst, uncontrollable muscle movements, unsteady or abnormal walk, vaginal bleeding"

I had another bad day yesterday.
I felt totally spaced out and had to have a sleep for a couple of hours in the afternoon.
Today is not too bad by comparison, we went out for a hour's walk and it was o.k. other than a slight headache.
It seems like I have a couple of goods days followed by a bad one, maybe it's the depression and not the Celexa that's doing that.
I would hate to see how I would be without the A/D'S.
I'm looking forward to the day when I won't need them anymore.
I just am tired of feeling hurt and having the triggers hit me over and over again.
I wish sometimes it would all turn out to be a bad dream only, but that's just wishful thinking.
One day at a time seems the best solution right now. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />