There has been so much press lately about the most popular anti-depressants being over-prescribed. I found myself in the thick of this debate because two months ago I decided to begin tapering off my anti-depressant - an SSRI or serotonin reuptake inhibitor. I have been using this medication for eight years and lately I have noticed that I feel worse than I ever have in my entire life. I was prescribed this medication because of chronic migraines and the depression that comes along with that condition. What I finally realized is that the medication was actually making me feel worse than the migraines. A trusted healthcare provider told me years ago that getting off an SSRI was as about as bad as withdrawing from heroin. I didn't believe him. Now I do.
Tapering is the Key
I made the mistake of cutting my 40 mg (the highest level of Celexa you can take) to 20 mg a day. For six weeks I was on an emotional roller coaster with mood swings, severe insomnia and just plain panic. I began to do research and found a few sites that discussed this topic as the "anti-depressant discontinuation syndrome." While experiencing all the side effects of withdrawal, I also felt better than I had in years. I had more energy, more joy, and my zest for life had come back full force. I was doing things and going places and actually living again. I was writing again, able to concentrate for hours at a time and appreciating (or not) my relationships with my family and friends.
During my research I learned that SSRI's can actually cause a lot of medical problems, including sleep disorders, brain ticks, and a multitude of medical problems ranging from gastrointestinal to lymphatic. This means if you started taking a SSRI because you are depressed over a physical problem, it can manifest those problems and make you feel worse in the long run. People who have been taking SSRI's for a long time (like me) usually end up on sleep medication and some type of anti-convulsant drug due to these side effects and this is exactly what happened to me and what I am afraid is happening to a lot of people on these drugs.
The best source for information I found was at a book titled, "How to Get Off Celexa Safely," written by James Harper who is a nationally known speaker and author of the breakthrough book "How to Get Off Psychiatric Drugs Safely." He has tailored a book for other SSRI's as well such as Lexapro, Zoloft, etc. I do not work for Mr. Harper, nor do I advocate his products, however, the book was of tremendous use to me and I ordered the supplements and I have used them with success. I would highly recommend using this book as a resource and to talk to your doctor about it.
It's been two months and I'm still working to get off the rest of this medication. I now understand that this is a very slow process and it. That's what I want you to know if you are reading this. I didn't get into this overnight and I won't be able to get off these medications overnight. Neither can you.
The Dementor Drug
I have started calling SSRI's "the dementor drug." This is a reference to the Harry Potter ghoul that puts its mouth on yours and sucks the happiness and your soul from your body. They are soul-sucking drugs and they will steal your joy of life and your health away. I do not want to negate their effect for people who are psychotic or bi-polar, etc. but for the rest of us, which I believe is the majority, these drugs are simply bad medicine.
Consult Your Doctor
The first thing that anyone will tell you to do before starting to discontinue an SSRI is to consult your doctor, and while I respect my doctor's opinion, most doctors are not equipped to help you. From additional research, I have learned that most doctors are under the false impression that these drugs do no harm. My beloved doctor once switched me willy-nilly to another medication without so much of a blink of an eye - and it almost killed me.
So, yes, talk to your doctor, if they don't know how to help you get off an SSRI, find a doctor who does, there are plenty of good doctors who see this as a real problem. Once you have worked out a plan to taper off the medication, know that the withdrawal symptoms do pass and you can live a happy and productive life with the normal highs and lows.
Today, I am off almost all the medications, the migraines have subsided for the first time in 20 years due to bio-identical hormone therapy and I'm living a full life. My husband recently told me, "I finally have my wife back."
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Dangers Of Taking Celexa To Treat Depression
Celexa is an antidepressant used to treat clinical depression in patients. It is prescribed as a "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor" used to balance serotonin in the brain, providing relief from depression.
While Celexa can be effective, this medication is under alert by the FDA when combined with Triptan medications. Be sure your doctor knows all medications you are on, and do not stop this medication without your doctor as you could have possible serious side effects.
The FDA has issued an alert as of July 7Th 2006 Celexa is potentially life threatening when taken with Triptan Medications. A life threatening condition called "Serotonin Syndrome" can occur when medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like for example Celexa and medications used to treat migrain headaches known ad 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists, in other words, (triptans) are combined with Celexa. Before taking Celexa and triptan together, speak with your Doctor.
Some of the signs and symptoms of "Serotonin Syndrome" can include the following… restlessness, hallucinations, loss of coordination, rapid heartbeat, increase in body temperature, quick changes in blood pressure, overactive reflexes, diarrhea, coma, nausea and vomiting. The above side effects are more likely to occur while first starting or increasing medication.
Another alert issued at the same time, in regards to Celexa, pertains to persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) within infants. Studies conducted on pregnant mothers taking Celexas showed the possibility of infants being born with this condition. This condition creates a problem with the lungs and the heart in which the blood flows abnormally, creating a deficit of oxygen within the body of the newborn. Through these studies it showed that mothers five months pregnant or more, taking Celexa or any SSRI, for that matter, had six times the risk of developing PPHN than those mothers who did not take any sort of antidepressant while pregnant.
This information reflects FDA's current analysis of data available to FDA concerning this drug. FDA intends to update this sheet when additional information or analysis become available.
Patients at risk should not Take Celexa or if you are taking another medication to treat depression, called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) and or if you have recently stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking Celexa in a close time frame such as 14 days of taking MAOI medications can result in serious and even fatal reactions, such as high body temperature and coma seizures (convulsions).
MAOI medications do include (phenlezine sulfate), Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate), Marplan (isocarboxazid) and other brands.
As you can see above there are some serious risks involved with Celexa. This is not a complete list of possible side effects or serious conditions that can occur while taking Celexa. Check with your doctor for further information regarding it's uses, benefit, possible risks involved in your patient care with Celexa.
Disclaimer – The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for More information about Celexa.
While Celexa can be effective, this medication is under alert by the FDA when combined with Triptan medications. Be sure your doctor knows all medications you are on, and do not stop this medication without your doctor as you could have possible serious side effects.
The FDA has issued an alert as of July 7Th 2006 Celexa is potentially life threatening when taken with Triptan Medications. A life threatening condition called "Serotonin Syndrome" can occur when medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like for example Celexa and medications used to treat migrain headaches known ad 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists, in other words, (triptans) are combined with Celexa. Before taking Celexa and triptan together, speak with your Doctor.
Some of the signs and symptoms of "Serotonin Syndrome" can include the following… restlessness, hallucinations, loss of coordination, rapid heartbeat, increase in body temperature, quick changes in blood pressure, overactive reflexes, diarrhea, coma, nausea and vomiting. The above side effects are more likely to occur while first starting or increasing medication.
Another alert issued at the same time, in regards to Celexa, pertains to persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) within infants. Studies conducted on pregnant mothers taking Celexas showed the possibility of infants being born with this condition. This condition creates a problem with the lungs and the heart in which the blood flows abnormally, creating a deficit of oxygen within the body of the newborn. Through these studies it showed that mothers five months pregnant or more, taking Celexa or any SSRI, for that matter, had six times the risk of developing PPHN than those mothers who did not take any sort of antidepressant while pregnant.
This information reflects FDA's current analysis of data available to FDA concerning this drug. FDA intends to update this sheet when additional information or analysis become available.
Patients at risk should not Take Celexa or if you are taking another medication to treat depression, called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) and or if you have recently stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking Celexa in a close time frame such as 14 days of taking MAOI medications can result in serious and even fatal reactions, such as high body temperature and coma seizures (convulsions).
MAOI medications do include (phenlezine sulfate), Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate), Marplan (isocarboxazid) and other brands.
As you can see above there are some serious risks involved with Celexa. This is not a complete list of possible side effects or serious conditions that can occur while taking Celexa. Check with your doctor for further information regarding it's uses, benefit, possible risks involved in your patient care with Celexa.
Disclaimer – The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for More information about Celexa.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Do You Have Concerns With Anti Depression Drugs?
There is a lot more to being depressed than just feeling sad. Depression can take all of the joy out of a person's life. It can leave them feeling like there is no reason to go on and live an enjoyable life because it doesn't seem like a possibility. Everything looks dark and dreary when a person is depressed.
The causes for depression depend on a variety of factors. Some would suggest that genetics play a major role. Environmental influences may also have a lot to do with the development of depression. In several instances, depression is set off as a result of a series of tragic events in one's life. Anti depression drugs are a form of treatment that many physicians use to help alleviate the symptoms of the illness.
Doctors usually give these types of medications a couple of weeks to work due to the fact that there may be side effects in the beginning. The anti depression drugs that are most commonly used consist of Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Celexa. These drugs are known as SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Oftentimes, the side effects of certain anti depression drugs do not disappear. The person taking the medication knows that it is trying to work, but what is trying to be accomplished simply is not possible because of the negative reaction the individual is experiencing. Unfortunately, most people experience the same types of negative reactions to all similar medications.
A healthy and safer alternative to Anti Depression Drugs are herbal remedies. They work in the same manner as prescription medications. The only difference is that they do not contain man made chemicals that cause the body to react negatively. An effective herbal remedy commonly used to treat depression is St. John's Wort. This particular remedy is very inexpensive and well-known.
Like SSRIs, St. John's Wort strives to correct chemical imbalances in the brain. However, unlike SSRIs, this particular herbal remedy has no known serious side effects. Another herbal remedy used as an anti depression drug is Sam-e, which is a chemical that is naturally found in the body. It helps to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine.
A good thing to keep in mind when searching for natural drugs for depression is what it is you are trying to do. Some remedies work to correct only serotonin, while some focus more on norephinephrine. It is highly suggested to perform the necessary research before selecting the appropriate remedy. Reading the description of certain remedies will help you to figure out if the medication is right for you.
There are literally a dozen more types of natural drugs for depression. Switching from prescription to natural anti depression drugs is much better for a person's overall health. Having to suffer from dangerous side effects is torture. Natural remedies will not leave you feeling drained, stressed, and exhausted from side effects, nor will they leave you feeling that there is no hope for the future.
The causes for depression depend on a variety of factors. Some would suggest that genetics play a major role. Environmental influences may also have a lot to do with the development of depression. In several instances, depression is set off as a result of a series of tragic events in one's life. Anti depression drugs are a form of treatment that many physicians use to help alleviate the symptoms of the illness.
Doctors usually give these types of medications a couple of weeks to work due to the fact that there may be side effects in the beginning. The anti depression drugs that are most commonly used consist of Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Celexa. These drugs are known as SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Oftentimes, the side effects of certain anti depression drugs do not disappear. The person taking the medication knows that it is trying to work, but what is trying to be accomplished simply is not possible because of the negative reaction the individual is experiencing. Unfortunately, most people experience the same types of negative reactions to all similar medications.
A healthy and safer alternative to Anti Depression Drugs are herbal remedies. They work in the same manner as prescription medications. The only difference is that they do not contain man made chemicals that cause the body to react negatively. An effective herbal remedy commonly used to treat depression is St. John's Wort. This particular remedy is very inexpensive and well-known.
Like SSRIs, St. John's Wort strives to correct chemical imbalances in the brain. However, unlike SSRIs, this particular herbal remedy has no known serious side effects. Another herbal remedy used as an anti depression drug is Sam-e, which is a chemical that is naturally found in the body. It helps to increase levels of serotonin and dopamine.
A good thing to keep in mind when searching for natural drugs for depression is what it is you are trying to do. Some remedies work to correct only serotonin, while some focus more on norephinephrine. It is highly suggested to perform the necessary research before selecting the appropriate remedy. Reading the description of certain remedies will help you to figure out if the medication is right for you.
There are literally a dozen more types of natural drugs for depression. Switching from prescription to natural anti depression drugs is much better for a person's overall health. Having to suffer from dangerous side effects is torture. Natural remedies will not leave you feeling drained, stressed, and exhausted from side effects, nor will they leave you feeling that there is no hope for the future.
An Informative Guide into Cancer
Local excision may also be used in early stages, in order to remove the cancer cells. Years of unprotected sun exposure can cause some skin cancers.Dangerous UVA and UVB rays from the sun and repeated exposure to these rays can effectuate skin cancer.
Information concerning diagnostic methods, treatment options and even the pathophysiological characteristics of this condition has been provided in useful details by researchers, but the specific causes of prostate cancer remain unknown up to this day.
The background to the launch of Vaniqa is intriguing: A drug by the name of Eflornithine was developed many years ago to combat malignant cancer. There's no known way of preventing prostate cancer, although some studies have indicated that taking 200 micrograms of selenium every day may reduce your risk of developing the cancer.
The October issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings (reference date October 11, 2004) had researchers report that: The antidepressant (Celexa) is an effective medication that reduces the hot flashes of men who are undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer the Paxil, or Paroxetine compound found in Celexa seems to be responsible for diminishing these hot flushes, the researchers have reported.
They are called cancers because they keep on growing through everything around them until they are completely removed. Antioxidants are what help to protect our bodies from damage by free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer, particularly gastric, esophageal, skin and ovarian.
Many anti-cancer drugs are being tried to treat DMM, with varying levels of short-term success. Radiotherapy can work by destroying cancer cells through radiation.
The following diseases have been associated with exposure to oil mist: skin - oil acne, contact dermatitis, and photosensitive allergic dermatitis; respiratory system - rhinitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, lipoid pneumonia, lung fibrosis and lung cancer; scrotum - benign and malignant tumours.
If the user is a smoker AND consumes alcohol, heavy use of mouthwash can even cause certain cancers. Even the drugs taken to treat cancer and AIDS may cause a neuropathy. Post-surgery chemotherapy is generally needed to eliminate residual cancer and prevent relapse.
The chances of a patients survival depend largely on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated. This is also known as the macroscopic description of the cancer tissue. In most people affected by cancer, these genetic changes happen after birth later in life.
Measures levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen a key prostate cancer marker, the cancer may eat up the lungs, wind-pipes, ribs and adjacent muscles. Basal cell skin cancers fall apart and feel like marshmallows when they are scraped.
There is evidence, for example, that coffee reduces the risk for colon cancer if consumed at the rate of four cups a day -- not the most salutary effect you can cite considering that intake at such an amount can easily lead to greater ills.
Though mesothelioma is a permanent cancer disease and the survival rate is very low, timely identification and perfect treatment at the right time could able to help us survive some long time. This is often the best form of treatment for late stage prostate cancer.
If your doctor tells you for example that you have cancer it is unlikely that you will meet this news with calm acceptance. Is there a way for you to diagnose it yourself, by noting if prostate cancer symptoms appear?
As the evidence develops, more physicians are beginning to recommend steps to take to increase the body's ability to fight off cancer before it can get a foot holding colon cancer - by surgery, radiation therapy and by chemotherapy.
Lentils are an important cancer fighting food for AB's. Chemotherapy treatment for cancer and a variety of medications for other serious diseases can of course result in hair loss which might be temporary or in some cases permanent. By using a sunless tanning lotion you can avoid the skin cancer risk that comes from the suns UV rays.
Accelerated Aging, Cancers, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Autoimmune Disorders, Alzheimer's, Cataracts, Etc. Making black tea a habit can provide a protective effect against heart disease, cancer, and stress-related illness. Well, it is important to stress that an enlarged prostate does not necessarily scream prostate cancer.
In many ways prostate cancer cells are just like any other cells of the body and will go through various stages of growth and there are a number of tests which can be performed, and grading systems which can be used, to determine and classify the stage of growth of Prostate Cancer cells.
Nationality studies have shown that certain racial groups such as European and African women tend to have higher risk of breast cancer compared to Asian women. Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs is carcinoma.
Information concerning diagnostic methods, treatment options and even the pathophysiological characteristics of this condition has been provided in useful details by researchers, but the specific causes of prostate cancer remain unknown up to this day.
The background to the launch of Vaniqa is intriguing: A drug by the name of Eflornithine was developed many years ago to combat malignant cancer. There's no known way of preventing prostate cancer, although some studies have indicated that taking 200 micrograms of selenium every day may reduce your risk of developing the cancer.
The October issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings (reference date October 11, 2004) had researchers report that: The antidepressant (Celexa) is an effective medication that reduces the hot flashes of men who are undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer the Paxil, or Paroxetine compound found in Celexa seems to be responsible for diminishing these hot flushes, the researchers have reported.
They are called cancers because they keep on growing through everything around them until they are completely removed. Antioxidants are what help to protect our bodies from damage by free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer, particularly gastric, esophageal, skin and ovarian.
Many anti-cancer drugs are being tried to treat DMM, with varying levels of short-term success. Radiotherapy can work by destroying cancer cells through radiation.
The following diseases have been associated with exposure to oil mist: skin - oil acne, contact dermatitis, and photosensitive allergic dermatitis; respiratory system - rhinitis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, lipoid pneumonia, lung fibrosis and lung cancer; scrotum - benign and malignant tumours.
If the user is a smoker AND consumes alcohol, heavy use of mouthwash can even cause certain cancers. Even the drugs taken to treat cancer and AIDS may cause a neuropathy. Post-surgery chemotherapy is generally needed to eliminate residual cancer and prevent relapse.
The chances of a patients survival depend largely on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated. This is also known as the macroscopic description of the cancer tissue. In most people affected by cancer, these genetic changes happen after birth later in life.
Measures levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen a key prostate cancer marker, the cancer may eat up the lungs, wind-pipes, ribs and adjacent muscles. Basal cell skin cancers fall apart and feel like marshmallows when they are scraped.
There is evidence, for example, that coffee reduces the risk for colon cancer if consumed at the rate of four cups a day -- not the most salutary effect you can cite considering that intake at such an amount can easily lead to greater ills.
Though mesothelioma is a permanent cancer disease and the survival rate is very low, timely identification and perfect treatment at the right time could able to help us survive some long time. This is often the best form of treatment for late stage prostate cancer.
If your doctor tells you for example that you have cancer it is unlikely that you will meet this news with calm acceptance. Is there a way for you to diagnose it yourself, by noting if prostate cancer symptoms appear?
As the evidence develops, more physicians are beginning to recommend steps to take to increase the body's ability to fight off cancer before it can get a foot holding colon cancer - by surgery, radiation therapy and by chemotherapy.
Lentils are an important cancer fighting food for AB's. Chemotherapy treatment for cancer and a variety of medications for other serious diseases can of course result in hair loss which might be temporary or in some cases permanent. By using a sunless tanning lotion you can avoid the skin cancer risk that comes from the suns UV rays.
Accelerated Aging, Cancers, Heart Disease, Arthritis, Autoimmune Disorders, Alzheimer's, Cataracts, Etc. Making black tea a habit can provide a protective effect against heart disease, cancer, and stress-related illness. Well, it is important to stress that an enlarged prostate does not necessarily scream prostate cancer.
In many ways prostate cancer cells are just like any other cells of the body and will go through various stages of growth and there are a number of tests which can be performed, and grading systems which can be used, to determine and classify the stage of growth of Prostate Cancer cells.
Nationality studies have shown that certain racial groups such as European and African women tend to have higher risk of breast cancer compared to Asian women. Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs is carcinoma.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)