Topic: Citalopram/Celexa- thinking of using it while on these Antibiotics - Opinions please.
Health
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6034
posted
Hi everyone,
First off, I cannot get a hold of the LLMD, and my own Medical Dr is away until next week so thought I would come here to ask this.
I am thinking of going on Citalopram/Celexa, because of this depression I have been fighting, I am not sure if it is just depression from fighting this lyme for 5 YEARS, off and on with
antibiotics, and not really getting all better,
and the HORRIFIC suffering to get well from this horrible disease, or if it is depression from the Lyme or babesia or whatever else.
I am really bad, like I live in a black hole, with no light, and I want out, I dont want to die, just cannot go on with this blackness in mind.
Citalopram is the generic of Celexa for those that dont know.
I have some Citalopram here in the house, but I have not taken it, scared of it because of the antibiotics I am on and because I am sensitive, and have never been on a depression drug, just St Johns Wort, which I am allergic to now and it makes the antibiotics not work I think,
So, here is what I need to know, if others have been on these antibiotics and added in Citalopram or the Celexa.
I am right now only on
Azithromycin, but will be adding in Mepron and Flagyl and Suprax, taking all these meds which is 4, then I take Citalopram.
I worry about a drug interaction although it said it was safe to take, called Pharamcist, but still we are all different,
My Medical Dr thought I should try a low dose of an antidepressant, like Citalopram, for 2 weeks and if I am ok, then go higher with it, if I have no reaction.
I am scared, because of the interactions, and am seeing a new LLMD, that treats much more aggressively then my other LLMD, and so I worry, about all these medications, I actually more then worry, I am
terrified. but I have to get better.
thanks,
Trish
Posts: 1250 | From Canada | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
If your MD wants to give you the AD Citalopram (sp) possibly as long as you start of slowly maybe 10mg I have this to offer. The only caution I have with any AD which I eventually flushed is it maybe best to phyc doctor as I think they are more familiar and it's there realm.
You'll be able to Talk over your emotions etc.. Keep in mind we see an LLMD because of his/her specialty so you may want to apply that theory here.
I go see a practing nurse who is part of a phyc department. She believed the whole thing about me needing medication cause of flushing being related solely to anexity until I walked in her office one day looking like a corpse.
Now she perscribes me sleeping meds and clonezapam which is like diazapam. It's an antidepressant that comes in .5, 1 and 1.5 mg. and it doesn't have an effect on the serotonin. Being on an AD has different effects when first going on them and you maybe able to discuss these with the right person who administers these meds rather than just giving you a script and sending you on your merry way.
But in any event a person I work with who is on lithium told me what I thought was the good advice. The way to have these medications administered wasn't by the local GP. If an adjustment is need the phyc will now, will the GP (Quack/Duck) in this area know? It's you call good luck and may God Bless.
-------------------- Raymond Leave the gun, take the cannolis Posts: 214 | From Rhode Island | Registered: Nov 2007
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Dear Trish,
You surely needn't live in such a dark place.
Citalopram has been a big help to me.
I take the lowest dose.
I started it back in the days when my local duck-in-a-box was trying to figure out my migraines. I had never been on one before, either, and was pretty paranoid about it. As it turned out, for naught.
I've remained on it through two+ years of aggressive abx treatment for lyme and babesia. Never needed to go up in dose. I often miss doses or forget, to no apparent ill effect.
It doesn't have any dulling or 'tranquilizing' effect like some antidepressants. I doubt you would notice any effect for a week or two, then hopefully, just a lifting of some depression.
I do realize some people have problems with antidepressants so they're not for everyone. But I'd sure give it a try and keep an open mind. You have a right to be happy regardless of this disease - you're a kind and good person! I think pain and depression are linked, each magnifying and feeding off the other! Treating one cannot help but ease the other.
Either doc can titrate your dose up or down for you; I can't see how that would be a big deal.
Good luck, Trish. My vote is DO IT!!!
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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